5 Best stretching moves for pianists

Being a pianist, whether professional or amateur, you spend a lot of time sitting in front of the keyboard. While this is great for your mind and for practice in general (remember, practice makes perfect!) it’s definitely not good for your body. The average person spends most of his/her day time sitting. As pianists, we spend at least 2 hours, with spikes of 8-10 hours a day, sitting in a stool.  

 

Why is stretching so important for us?

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

The main benefits of stretching are:

• Increase your flexibility
• Increase your range of motion
• Improves your posture
• Relieve from stress
• Calm your mind

For your body and for your mind, it’s good to add to your daily routine these 5 stretching exercises. And remember what the ancient wise men used to say:

All right then, what are you waiting for?

Here are 5 little muscles areas you need to pay attention to and the related stretching exercises designed to lengthen and relax the stiffness. 

1. Pectoralis muscles – Chest opener

Time: hold for 30 seconds

2. Hip flexors – Low back release

Time: hold for 30 seconds

3. Spine stabilizing muscles – Back reinforcement

Time: hold for 30 seconds

4. Neck area muscles - Neck release

Time: hold for 30 seconds

5. Shoulder area muscles - Shoulder release

Time: hold for 30 seconds

In conclusion

Total time: 2.5 minutes! Next time you sit in front of score and keyboard, pause for a quick moment and perform these stretching exercises. Do them as often as you want and you’ll notice less tightness and more productivity, allowing your mind to pause for a moment and your entire body to feel more energized. Your practice quality level will exponentially improve, and your body will thank you for it. 

Stretch and keep playing!