Master the art of glass blowing with these exercises
What's the story
Glass blowing is a demanding art form that requires not only precision and control, but also significant physical strength, especially in the arms and hands.
To effectively handle the glass blowing pipe, artists need to build their arm muscles to ensure they can maintain control over the molten glass.
This article presents five exercises to strengthen the key arm muscles for improved glass blowing pipe control.
Wrist strength
Wrist curls for enhanced precision
Wrist curls are a straightforward and highly beneficial exercise for developing wrist strength and flexibility.
Simply sit on a chair with your forearms on your thighs and a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing up. Then, perform wrist curls by curling your wrists upwards.
This exercise isolates the exact muscles used to manipulate the glass blowing pipe.
Doing three sets of 12 reps every day will drastically increase wrist strength.
Reverse strength
Reverse wrist curls for balance
These are the perfect counterpart to regular wrist curls, focusing on the opposite side of your forearm.
You perform them just like wrist curls, but with your palms facing down instead.
Strengthening these muscles is key to balanced development and avoiding strain from repetitive motions in glass blowing.
Again, aim for three sets of 12 reps for the best results.
Bicep power
Bicep curls for stability
Bicep curls are key to building upper arm strength, which is crucial for stability when holding and manipulating the glass blowing pipe.
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at thigh level, curl the weights towards your shoulders, keeping elbows close to your body.
Three sets of 10 repetitions will build the bicep power you need to maintain control over longer periods.
Tricep strength
Tricep dips for endurance
Tricep dips build arm strength, helping you work longer without getting tired.
Sit on the edge of a stable chair or bench, place your hands behind you, shoulder-width apart.
Lower your body by bending at the elbows, then push back up.
This move focuses on the triceps but also works your core, which provides stability when dealing with glass.
Do two sets of eight reps.
Shoulder power
Shoulder presses for overall arm strength
Shoulder presses target overall arm strength, essential for lifting and rotating heavy pipes without straining or risking injury.
While sitting or standing, hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height. Push them up until your arms are straight, and then bring them down slowly.
Doing three sets of eight will not only build powerful shoulders but also help maintain good posture, necessary when standing at a bench or furnace.