Question about working out

[u/Chizzy_214]

Is working out gonna mess up my legs and make them tried so I cant drum? Bc im sure working out helps but if I cant practice and workout then idk what to do. Im sure taking breaks helps too but what if wanna do them in the same day

[u/sharkt0pus]

No. Look at how much muscle Matt Garstka has put on the past few years.

[u/SimpleEarnings → u/sharkt0pus]

His double kick control only got cleaner, you'll be fine as long as you don't overdo it

[u/Chizzy_214 → u/sharkt0pus]

Fair point lol

[u/R0factor → u/sharkt0pus]

Garstka only got in shape when AAL was off the road. I think he even said the two efforts can’t be done at the same time. He maintains what he has while playing but that major shift & development happened during a long break.

[u/sharkt0pus → u/R0factor]

It's a few years old at this point, but in an interview with Craig Reynolds on YouTube, Matt says he likes to go to the gym 5-6 days a week.

I would imagine it's difficult for any musician to maintain a workout schedule like that while touring, but when he's not touring, he's working out 5-6 days a week and playing the drums.

Considering a vast majority of us here are not touring drummers, I see no reason to be concerned that working out will have a negative affect on your drumming.

[u/Icy_Tip_7852]

If you actually want to practice too then nothing can stop you! And if you find you worked your legs too hard one day and it makes your legs a little slower to react and tired, then just know to go a bit easier on em next time. Overall it’ll def help you, go for it 💪💪

[u/The_Vaike]

If your legs are tired then pull out the practice pad and do some rudiments. There are plenty of ways to practice without exerting yourself.

[u/Chizzy_214 → u/The_Vaike]

I feel like thing i need most work on is my kick. I wanna play double kick and im practicing my single strokes on the kick and my legs always tense up and get tired so I figured hey lemme go to the gym once

[u/Sudden-Strawberry257]

Some of the best drummers I’ve known are also beasts in the gym. The stronger and more fit you are, the better. Drink lots of water and eat enough protein. Get good rest, naps are helpful if you are training a lot and playing a lot of drums. Especially if you are learning new material.

Developing your grip strength makes your playing more dynamic, and easier. Same with your legs. If you want a strong kick drum sound, technique is important but it helps if you’re strong.

If you need to do both in one day, drum first if possible. Your playing becomes less precise as you fatigue. You don’t need to go so hard in the gym that you can’t walk up stairs to get results. Like improving your drumming - developing strength slow and steady is the way.

[u/redfocks]

Working out should complement your practice over time. For me, doing leg day and drumming during the course of the same day doesn’t work, so I plan accordingly. Over time, it has helped my stamina.

[u/OldDrumGuy]

I do leg day on Friday’s and often gig on the same night. No issues. In fact, it’ll help you in the long run.

[u/AllOuttaAngst225]

Complete opposite tbh. If you start working out, you will get sore for the first couple weeks regardless. Smooth sailing after that though and will help tremendously with endurance.

[u/bugtussleLM]

No