As I observe again and again, whenever I work out, especially any kind of cardio exercise, if takes me no time at all to warm up on trombone later that day, and the sound is really good: in a minute on the horn, I am good to go!

If I don't work out, very different story: it might take 15 minutes before things are working reliably well.

Does anyone else experience this? Ii's a great thing as far as I'm concerned, and it saves my chops, since I'm not having to go through all kinds of calisthenics to be fully operational.

Any way to abbreviate the cardio workout into something short and sweet? An hour on the rowing machine is great, but something shorter that also works would be even better.

A nice walk does me wonders. Nothing worse than rolling out of bed, driving for an hour, and then playing right away in comparison.

I did breathing exercises before playing for a long time. Now I do 10-15 minutes of stretching (was a short yoga routine, currently a set of exercises from a physical therapist) timed with deep breathing.

[quote="GabrielRice"]I did breathing exercises before playing for a long time. Now I do 10-15 minutes of stretching (was a short yoga routine, currently a set of exercises from a physical therapist) timed with deep breathing.[/quote]

Do you notice a difference in how fast you get to "ready to go" from these exercises, compared to not doing them?

For years, I made no consistent use of exercise before playing, and then decided it is much better to think of this tendency as a feature to be exploited, and not a flaw to be fixed.

I don't know, honestly. My preference has always been to warm up slowly.

I start every first practice session with breathing in four slow counts until full, then blowing out for eight counts through pursed lips like blowing out candles. I will do this many times then try to increase the count to 9 then 10 beats blowing with the same amount of air inhaled. Many reps. Then I will take in the same amount of air in two counts and blow out for 8, 9 or 10 counts as I am able. Many reps. One count inhale, blow for 8 or more beats.

Walking first would be excellent. The amount of time I spend on the breathing is probably about 5-6 minutes (I don't time it) and it does get my warm up kick started. Also, I was taught by Jeff Reynolds to warm up at a "Mezzo Forte level or loud enough to get your best sound" which helps me keep the air moving.

I intermittently buzz the mouthpiece while warming up and usually start to sound the way I want within five minutes.

Matt Varho

This is all because of the increased blood flow from the cardio. You can simulate that with blocked buzzing, which increases blood flow to the lips without the burden/benefit of having to go to the gym first.

[quote="JTeagarden"]If I don't work out, very different story: it might take 15 minutes before things are working reliably well.

Does anyone else experience this?[/quote]
I haven't seen anything like that were it might take me 15 minutes to warm up. Usually it is like 4-7 minutes for me, cold with no exercise earlier in the day.

In addition to the blood flow Dana mentions, it is also good to have good blood health. Stay hydrated (so you blood can better flow), also avoid alcohol and caffeine (For me, it really helps). YMMV.

Any way to abbreviate the cardio workout into something short and sweet? An hour on the rowing machine is great, but something shorter that also works would be even better.

My daily routine has me doing my strength training just before I practice trombone then piano. Depending how much time my schedule can afford, I'll do a 15 minute abbreviated session or a 30 minute full session. The 15 minute session still does wonders. I also do yoga twice a week and meditation at least once a week.

It is always good to have a couple abbreviated workouts that you can always squeeze into any schedule. Been doing that since middle school. (my shortest workout is a single set of 15 reps on benchpress--just like coach showed me). Or single rep of spring grip squeezers (Even less setup). Or some body weight exercise like a set of pushups or a set of yoga movements.

PS: I never really thought about the exercise benefits feeding into my brass warmup and practice. But Now I see the connection and benefit.