Music + Excercise = Smart

**Ted Eschliman** · Mar-26-2004, 10:27am

I just heard in the news something I find inspirational, and I think others who include a regular regimen of exercise will enjoy, Music and Exercise. I have suspected as much; the theory being that when listening to music during extended cardio activity, the brain sort of "sharpens" itself.
I listen to an MP3 player on my 4 mile runs, and since I alternate daily with long distance swimming (the MP3 player doesn't work so good there...), I try to think chords, theory, fretboard patterns, between turns. I always seem to come up with my best ideas when I come out of exercise, and this combination works for me.
How about you other "athletes?" (No Dale, 12 ounce curls don't count as cardio...) Anybody for a little "air mandolin?"

Mar-26-2004, 10:41am

Ted, I'll have you know I'm a qualifier in the "Texas BBQ Olympics"...... #

My events include the "10 yard Pitt Sprint" & "Rib Toss".

Judges alot extra points for "Sauce Etiquette" & "Jalapeno Embellishment "..................

Uh....I'm in the heavy weight division BTW.... #

**duuuude** · Mar-26-2004, 12:06pm

How 'bout pickin' while takin a walk, that count?

**Michael H Geimer** · Mar-26-2004, 12:32pm

I've gotten into similiar discussions on alt.rec.running.

I'm an avid runner, but you'll never catch me with an Ipod, or Walkman. One of the magic elements of running for me is how my whole being can settle into an almost chant-like candence. I get lost in the #monotonous rhythm.

It has also given me a lot of control over my pace. One year, a co-worker wanted to watch the Bay-to-Breakers. He told me he would be hanging out with his kids right at the start of GG Park. (mi. 4)

I told him to watch for me between 8:28 and 8:29am. "OK, I'll look for you around 8:30", he replied. "That's too late." He thought I was kidding, but I passed that intersection at 8:28:32am ... LOL! That even surprised me!

I sometimes sing songs while running, but I let those songs follow my own natural rhythym, rather than force my pace to fit a 'piped in' beat.

In the truest sense ... YMMV.

Now, I sure don't care for they're shoes, but I throw out that motto ... Just do it.

- Benig

**sunburst** · Mar-26-2004, 12:46pm

I'm still trying to get my fourty-something year old body down below 200 pounds after the holidays, so 2 1/2 miles per day is about all I'm running these days.
I don't listen to music while running, but like Benig I find my runs to be meditative. I don't know how many times I've started down the driveway puzzling on some stubborn problem only to have that "eureka" moment after about 3/4 mile when the answere suddenly appears. I get some of my best ideas out there running, and as a matter of fact, it's time to get my shoes on and go!

**chirorehab** · Mar-26-2004, 12:54pm

I am currently training for my first marathon! I love my Ipod! I have a great mix of mandolin music that really helps me get through the long runs! I always start my runs with Dawg's Rag.

I also try to think of music theory, etc. while I am running.

Running really helps clear my head & helps me to refocus on life!

Eric

**Michael H Geimer** · Mar-26-2004, 1:01pm

Eric ... the one mararthon I ran changed everything for me. I look back on it as a key life-shaping event.

Run, Eric ....run.

**Clamdigger** · Mar-26-2004, 2:37pm

I am training for the Boston Marathon on April 19th. I am 65 years old and it will be my 36 marathon and hopefully not my last. #I enjoy running and have tried listening to music but like benignus I just can't get into it. #Each to his own I guess. #Clamdigger

**chirorehab** · Mar-26-2004, 2:40pm

Congrats Clamdigger!

I am doing the Burlington, VT. Have you done that one?

Eric

**chirorehab** · Mar-26-2004, 2:54pm

Benig,

Thanks for the encouragement! I love the way I feel after I run - it's truly amazing.

Eric

**Clamdigger** · Mar-26-2004, 3:44pm

chirorehab, I haven't run Burlington but my friends have and liked it. Little hilly and weather can be a factor. Good luck and keep cranking not matter what. Clamdigger

**sunburst** · Mar-26-2004, 3:59pm

Clamdigger, you've apparently avoided serious injury in all that running.
Just luck or good genes?
Enjoy your run!

**duuuude** · Mar-26-2004, 4:03pm

Dang, just readin' all this has gotten me tuckered out.

**Jack Roberts** · Mar-26-2004, 4:28pm

I get my excercise by walking from the bathroom to the car in the morning. I carry my mandolin, though...

**Joe F** · Mar-26-2004, 5:51pm

I've pretty much quit running over the past year, due to a problem with plantar fasciitis (severe heel pain). #I've just started up walking again, and hope to slowly ease back into running. #(I also put on some extra pounds during my year of inactivity, which only makes the problem worse).

I discovered years ago that an evening walk or run with a Walkman tuned to the local classical station is one of the most effective ways to ease the stress of the day.

Of course, on Saturday mornings when there is a locally broadcast bluegrass show, a walk or run with the Walkman just gets me fired up for the coming day!

**chirorehab** · Mar-26-2004, 6:09pm

Joe,

I utilize Active Release Technique on my patients with plantar fascitis. It's very effective. In fact I just saw a patient about an hour ago, that was able to run today for the first time in months! It's only been 4 treatments!

You can find a ART provider in your area, at the website above.

Good luck & don't let pain take you out!

Eric

**Michael H Geimer** · Mar-26-2004, 7:07pm

Clamdigger ... 36 marathons?! ... Wow!

I gotta second the amzement at avoiding injury all these years. I stopped at one in fear of introducing some furture disabling injurty. My Dad can't really run too much anymore, and he's not yet your age. So, I'm playing it safe ... hoping to keep it up for the long-haul.

- Benig

**Joe F** · Mar-26-2004, 9:52pm

Eric,
Many thanks for the advice on ART therapy. #I hadn't heard of that before. #Last year, when the pain was severe, my doctor referred me to a podiatrist, who prescribed a few months of Vioxx and avoidance of the stress-causing activity. The pain has pretty much disappeared, but I haven't tried working it hard enough yet to see if it returns.

According to your web site, there is an ART provider in Minneapolis, so if the problem does return with increased activity, and my insurance company agrees, I'll explore that route.

**Clamdigger** · Mar-27-2004, 7:53am

I certainly do not want to sound like an authority on running but my advice is STRETCH. After I ran my first marathon I thought I was Superman. I quickly found out that I wasn't. Plantar Fasciitis put me on the sidelines for a short while. Then a friend, who is a personal trainer put me onto stretching. Best thing I ever did. I could barely touch two inches below my knees. This AM I touched my toes. Buy the Anderson book on stretching. Start easy and work up little by little. Good luck. Clamdigger

**chirorehab** · Mar-27-2004, 8:23am

Clamdigger,

Great advice! Stretching is the #1 reccomendation I make to my patients.

Here are some key muscles to stretch:

Hamstrings
Calves - (often overlooked & very important)
Hip Flexors (Quads & Psoas)
External Rotators (piriformis)
TFL/ITB - (very important & very common problem in runners)
Adductors/groin
lower back

Upper body muscles are important too!

The Bob Anderson book has most of these stretches.

There are some great Yoga stretches too. My favorite is the Downward facing dog.

Eric

**chirorehab** · Mar-27-2004, 8:27am

Also,

The Developer of ART (Dr. Leahy) has finished the Ironman over 25 times! ART was an offical sponsor of the 25th anniversary ironman in Hawaii this past year & they were featured on the Pre-Ironman show on national tv!

In fact, the spot featured Lori Bowden being treated with ART - she ended up winning!

Look for ART providers at many major marathons this year!

Eric

**jasona** · Mar-28-2004, 12:41am

I play hockey for exercise. Doesn't really lend itself to playing the mando at the same time!

**JMUSIC** · Mar-28-2004, 9:14am

I went from being a tennis pro most of my life, spending 3-5 hours a day on the court in the hot South Carolina sun to owning a music store. For the next 2 years the majority of exercise that I got was shlepping PA equipment in and out of gigs and helping the UPS man carry in my shipping. A little over a year ago I decided that it was time to hit the gym again and began running on a treadmill 2 miles every other day and hitting the free weights. I am the oldest member of the band (52) and now am the first to get to the gig, always carry my at least my share of the equipment (including 100 lb + Mackie SR1530 powered speakers w/built in powered subs) I had really started to feel weak and run down and the workouts have made me feel 10 years younger. I actually find myself looking forward to those morning workouts. Too bad that it hasn't done a damn thing for my mandolin playing <G>.....John S.

**Clamdigger** · Mar-28-2004, 12:46pm

Way to go JMUSIC. Keep up the good work. Clamdigger

**Ajvessey** · Mar-29-2004, 2:30am

If I may ask, what kind of a treatment is ART? I looked at the webpage but couldn't gather much except that it's helpful for problems with overused muscles, and I have a wrist that's been bothering me for years now (and I'm 20, jeez) stemming back to my bowling days, and it seems like this might be helpful.