Friday Finds #180: Rejuvenate that Zoom Body

Hello Memorial Day Weekend!

Many of us are in a place right now where we’re wrapping up our school term of lessons and (hopefully) taking a breather before we start the Summer term.

After sitting on my bum in front of Zoom for 6-7 hours a day over the past eight weeks, I’m feeling anxious to get my body moving a little more again.

I thought it appropriate that this week we focus on wellness content!

 

1 – Pilates

Let’s kick it off with my #1 recommended item. It’s one that I’ve mentioned in recent weeks that has been a life-saver for me these past two months. It’s an online pilates program I heard about from Natalie Weber called The Balanced Life.

All it takes is 15-18 minutes a day (approximately once a week there’s a 25-30 minute workout). Within a couple of weeks, my muscles started loosening up, popping and cracking of shoulders began to lessen, and I felt stronger and more toned. The best part? You barely break a sweat!

P.S. Yes, I will get a referral credit if you join through this link, but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you any extra! As a matter of fact, the only way to join outside of the open membership window is through a referral link! 

 

2 – Yoga

Yoga is not the choice for me – my body enjoys Pilates much more – but Yoga is very popular with many these days!

Lesley McAlister has a new book coming out:
Yoga in the Music Studio

My Explorations of Yoga as a Pianist & Teacher (Joy Morin | Color in My Piano)

Focus Your Piano Lessons with Mind-Body Warm-Ups (Rebekah Maxner)

 

3 – Alexander Technique

Why I Take Lessons in Alexander Technique as a Piano Teacher
(Joy Morin | Color in My Piano)

We had an excellent Alexander Technique clinician at our last state conference. If you’re looking for someone, I highly recommend Meagan Johnson.

 

4 – Weight Training

Is Weight Training Safe for Pianists? (Tim Topham | TopMusic.co)

 

5 – Wellness Resources

Wellness Resources for Musicians (Music Teachers National Association)

 

6 – Simple Workouts

Sitting at a desk or piano all day can be tough on the lower back. Did you know you can find workout routines on YouTube?

Of course…YouTube has everything! LOL.

 

7 – Inspiration

A few favorite wellness quotes and mantras:

Eat three meals a day; keep portions small; eat seasonal fruits and vegetables;
drink lots of water; savor wine; walk more, and have occasional treats.
~Murielle Guiliano

Guiding principle: eat less meat and junk food,
eat more vegetables and whole grains.

Eat like Food Matters.

~Food Matters by Mark Bittman

 

8 – Relieve Tension

Several years ago, I spent a year or two doing a lot of the Classical Stretch Routines with Miranda Esmonde White. I used to rent the DVD’s from the library then I used their online streaming service.

Also called Essentrics, you can find a few teaser routines on YouTube. Here’s one on Relieving Shoulder Pain & Tension.

 

9 – MEditation

I have no idea where I got this, but it’s a fun little meditation on Psalm 46:10.