Easy way to increase air supply for brass players
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Check it out at..
https://www.facebook.com/thetrumpetblog/videos/972108040177194 -
I received the tool to measure the amount of air I can take in today. I was wondering what your routine for using this was. How many reps in one set? How many sets in a day?
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I am wondering the same thing, Mike. I made a comeback in 2016 at the age of 79. This was after a 50 year hiatus from the horn and at 79 my breathing was pretty good. Last summer at the age of 84 I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and was prescribed a drug called Metoprolol that slows and regulates the heart beat.
Since I started taking that drug I have found in the past year that my breath control is not as good as it had been. I am thinking that this breathing measurement tool may help me improve that situation.
So far I haven't been able to find a Spirometer locally because it seems to be on back order everywhere.
George
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.
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In this study, this device if used daily, can increase inspiratory lung volume by 16% in 30 days.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/64625-efficacy-of-incentive-spirometer-in-increasing-maximum-inspiratory-volume-in-an-out-patient-settingAllora Pocket Trumpet 2014
Harrelson Summit 2017
Kanstul 1526 2012
Getzen Power Bore 1961
Getzen Eterna 4-Valve Fulgelhorn 1974
Martin Committee 1946
Olds Super Recording 1940
Olds Recording (LA) 1953
Olds Recording (Fullerton) 1967
Olds Ambassador 1965 -
However, for trumpet players it is more important to deliver the gas (oxygen) than to store it (increased inspiratory volume).
From Physiology, Residual Volume
John J. Lofrese; Connor Tupper; Deanna Denault; Sarah L. Lappin. October 20, 2021.Copyright
2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
"Following maximal inspiration, the volume of air that leaves the lungs during a maximal force expiration is known as the vital capacity (VC). VC is composed of the tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). The ERV is the volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal resting expiration, leaving only the RV in the lungs. Forcefully exhaling the ERV is an active process requiring the contraction of expiratory muscles in the chest and abdomen."So the key to enhanced trumpet dynamics involving air flow when moving the air from the lungs to the mouth involves more the contraction of expiratory chest and abdominal muscle. This is why I would recommend more using a weight lifting routine focusing on building expiratory respiratory muscles of the chest and abdomen to enhance "air delivery" for brass players as opposed to "air supply".
I have developed a series of 9 sets of exercises that enhance chest muscle function and 6 exercises performing 15 reps of each set of exercises, that enhance abdominal muscle function on my Bowflex system. I do this 40 minute work out every morning and it has done wonders to increase my trumpet playing endurance.
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@georgeb said in Easy way to increase air supply for brass players:
I am wondering the same thing, Mike. I made a comeback in 2016 at the age of 79. This was after a 50 year hiatus from the horn and at 79 my breathing was pretty good. Last summer at the age of 84 I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and was prescribed a drug called Metoprolol that slows and regulates the heart beat.
Since I started taking that drug I have found in the past year that my breath control is not as good as it had been. I am thinking that this breathing measurement tool may help me improve that situation.
So far I haven't been able to find a Spirometer locally because it seems to be on back order everywhere.
George, the study on metoprolol has been done and in evidence based, randomized controlled studies (some of the highest caliber study designs), the effect of metoprolol is not likely due to lung dynamics:
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So George, I do more believe the effects you feel with metoprolol are more related with the cardiovascular effects of dilating arteries, lowering blood pressure (and yes, heart rate which is why this is a good drug in controlling a-fib), which can decrease overall stamina (but not effecting lung dynamics). I do believe rather a weight lifting program focused on chest wall and abdominal respiratory muscles may be in your best interest.
.... AND you are in luck, as I am running a special for a limited time where you can purchase the workout manual "Better Trumpet Playing Through the Bowflex System" in just 14 easy lessons for the special, low low price offer of $9.95. What a value considering the regular purchase price of $59.58 at local Planet Fitness stores! A collection compiled by Gary M. Onady MD, PhD, best selling trumpet fitness author and widely know for being the greatest individual in spewing a LOT of HOT AIR!
Allora Pocket Trumpet 2014
Harrelson Summit 2017
Kanstul 1526 2012
Getzen Power Bore 1961
Getzen Eterna 4-Valve Fulgelhorn 1974
Martin Committee 1946
Olds Super Recording 1940
Olds Recording (LA) 1953
Olds Recording (Fullerton) 1967
Olds Ambassador 1965 -
Well, it's something to think about. It just seems strange to me that my breathing problems only became noticeable after I started taking Metoprolol.
It's minor so I don't really know if I want to start an exercise program. It could be a case of not playing with the band very much this past year. The band is starting up again this month so maybe the old two hours of hard playing every Wednesday night will get me playing better.
George -
@dr-go said in Easy way to increase air supply for brass players:
In this study, this device if used daily, can increase inspiratory lung volume by 16% in 30 days.
I climb a set of stairs with a cup of coffee in my hand at the start of each day. It works. Anyrhing is better than nothing.
Benge 3X
Martin Committee
Getzen Capri Cornet
Adams F-1 Flugelhorn"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."
Charlie Parker"Even if I could play like Wynton Marsalis, I wouldn't play like Wynton Marsalis."
Chet Baker -
@kehaulani I have a dog that needs two one-mile walks per day. That helps too.
Courtois Balanced
Courtois D
Olds Recording
Buescher Aristocrat
Gaudet C
Selmer G
Courtois 154 Flugelhorn
Besson International Bb cornet
Courtois Bb cornet
B&H Sovereign Soprano Cornet
B&H Sovereign trombone
Willy Garreis trombone
Weltklang Euph -
Let me tell you, at 85 I still take 45 minute walks twice a day and I've been doing that since I retired in 2001. I credit those walks with giving me the ability to play the trumpet as well as I do today, even though other health issues have made playing a bit tougher. So walking your dog, sir will pay dividends.
George -
Basics gleaned from the article linked by Dr. GO:
Patients were asked to lie down and were instructed to inhale through their mouth slowly over 10 seconds, exhale completely and repeat this 10 times consecutively. There was no recording available for exhalation. The patients were instructed to mark the highest inspired volume during their 10 breaths by sliding the plastic marker on the device. Patients were instructed to complete this exercise three times a day for 30 days.
Patients were also asked and committed to general cardiopulmonary fitness and endurance training through walking or light jogging to achieve 70% targeted heart rate for 20 minutes three times a week
Furthermore, the participants were instructed to perform postural drainage exercises to enhance the clearance of phlegm by using gravity and position changes. They were instructed to apply percussion to the back, chest, or sides. Patients were requested to perform postural drainage in the morning before eating, on the bed or floor, with the chest lower than the hips to allow mucus to drain. They were also instructed to use pillows, foam wedges, and other devices for comfort and to elevate the hips above the chest. Patients were instructed to first perform the exercise on the back, then each side, then on the stomach, holding each position for a minimum of five minutes. During each position, they were instructed to breathe deeply and slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth. Patients were informed that postural drainage could be enhanced by another person gently cupping hands and clapping quickly on the side of the chest, side, or back that is facing up during the five minutes.
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If you blow up simple party balloons for 10 minutes a day, your lung capacity increases dramatically. Blow them up slowly (20-30 seconds) as large as possible with one breath, release the air, wait 20-30 seconds, repeat. DO NOT TRY TO DECREASE THE TIME THAT YOU USE TO FILL UP. The goal is a bigger balloon, not more repetitions! Stop if you feel dizziness coming on. We train good habits by NOT APPLYING FORCE.
The next step for advanced practitioners is then to blow up hot water bottles.
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@rowuk Sounds like a great way to get dizzy!
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@administrator Not if we wait 20-30 seconds after letting the balloon deflate.
