Play the tambourine longer with these arm workouts
What's the story
Playing the tambourine for long periods is a physically demanding activity, particularly on the arms and shoulders.
To build endurance and enhance performance, it's crucial to include specific arm exercises in your routine.
This article provides a list of five effective exercises to strengthen the muscles utilized in tambourine playing.
These exercises will enable musicians to play with increased duration and precision.
Wrist curls
Wrist curls for flexibility and strength
Wrist curls are an easy and effective exercise for developing wrist strength and flexibility, both of which are essential for tambourine players.
To do them, sit on a chair with your forearm resting on your thigh, palm facing up.
Hold a light dumbbell (around two to five pounds) and slowly curl your wrist upwards before lowering it back down.
Do this for three sets of 12 reps on each hand.
Shoulder presses
Shoulder presses to build upper body strength
Shoulder presses strengthen the deltoids, triceps, and upper back muscles, which are used when playing the tambourine.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
Press the weights above your head until your arms are fully extended, then lower them back to the starting position.
Complete three sets of 10 repetitions.
Bicep curls
Bicep curls for arm muscle endurance
Bicep curls build endurance in the arm muscles, allowing you to sustain tambourine playing over extended periods.
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing forward.
Keeping your elbows close to your torso, curl the weights towards your shoulders, then lower them back down slowly.
Aim for three sets of 10-12 repetitions.
Forearm planks
Forearm planks for core and arm stability
Forearm planks aren't just great for the core, they also build arm stability, which is key for tambourine control.
Start face down, with forearms and elbows under your shoulders and legs extended.
Rise up into a straight line from head to heels. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds while maintaining steady breaths.
Tricep dips
Tricep dips to improve playing stamina
Tricep dips build upper body strength, particularly triceps muscle endurance, which helps you play the tambourine longer without getting tired.
Find a sturdy chair or bench; sit on the edge and place your hands next to your hips, gripping the edge.
Slide forward off the seat, lower your body toward the ground until your arms form about a 90-degree angle, then press back up.
Do three sets of eight reps.