I prefer these travel bands over regular bands because of the strap in the middle These straps can be placed around a doorknob or into a doorway to be able to be used overhead for lat pull downs, face pulls, etc.
Foam Roller
Foam what? I’m sure most of you have no idea what I’m talking about, but everyone should. Ever had a massage? I mean a good, deep tissue massage? It hurts like mad while it’s being done, you’ll find tight and knotted muscles you didn’t know you had, but when you are done, don’t you feel so much better? Possibly a …
The Joy of a Deadlift Well Done
I came across this video the other day in a post I read from a girl powerlifter. She also LOVES cookies, and calls herself the “Cookie Monster”. She is living proof of 3 things: You can be a female powerlifter and still be feminine You can be a female who lifts a LOT of weight (like over 200 lbs.) and …
Exercises for Flutists
Recently I was asked to write an article for Flutist Quarterly, the quarterly publication of the National Flute Association. There are a LOT of beneficial exercises for flutists, but I picked 2 stretches and 2 strengthening exercises I felt were the most beneficial, with no equipment, for the general population of flute players. These may be more difficult for some, …
Beneficial Exercises For Flutists
View PostPlaying Flute with Scoliosis?
A little while back, I received this email from a teacher concerned for her student with scoliosis: “I have a student that has scoliosis. She has been told by her doctor that she is going to have to stop playing flute due to the severity. I know that if she is sitting correctly, and using complete correct posture this really shouldn’t be …
The Musician’s Essential Exercises
View PostThe Maturing Flutist
Yesterday Dr. Steve Mitchell and I co-presented at the National Flute Association Convention in Orlando, FL. Our talk was titled “The Maturing Flutist” and it covered a lot of the issues that concern aging musicians and the elderly populations. You don’t need to be a flutist to benefit from this, as lots of the things we covered relate to the …
Resistance Training for String Musicians – professional study
YAY!! More studies on resistance training for string musicians showing positive results! There is still such a lack of scientific study in this area, so glad to see more research is being done! I only have access to the abstract (if anyone can send me the full study, please share!) but from what I gather: 24 string musicians from 3 …
Fitness for Instrumentalists and Vocalists in Nashville Feb. 6
I’m super excited to announce that Nashville vocal coach Robin Earl and I have teamed up to bring you what will be the first in a monthly series of fitness for musician workshops. We don’t want anyone to feel excluded – this casual, interactive workshop is for everyone: vocalists, sound techs, musicians, song writers, load crew, managers, etc. Musicians have …
Music Strong is featured on WSMV Channel 4 in Nashville!
Well this is super exciting! “Today in Nashville” found out about Music Strong and wanted to interview us to find out just what we do and who we are. If you missed it, the story aired on January 23, 2017 between 11 AM-12 PM on WSMV Channel 4. They did a great job showing just Music Strong Fitness Training is …
Physical Fitness for Vocalists and Athletes Post-Surgery
Just because vocalists don’t hold an instrument doesn’t mean they don’t have specific muscle imbalances that can hinder their musical careers. Meet Liz, a vocal coach and voice trainer here in Nashville who utilized our services to improve her posture, body awareness and freedom of movement to release tension in her neck, upper back and hips and can sing better …
Do You Follow Me On Pinterest?
Music Strong is on Pinterest! Come see what we’re pinning for musicians, for health, for fitness and for fun. [SlideDeck2 id=6105]
Online Injury Prevention for Musicians Course
View PostAn Entrepreneur’s “Busy Season”
If you’re an entrepreneur/freelancer, you’re a unique breed. This is where you insert one of those “what people think I do” memes here (please feel free to share your own in the comments) Truth is, unless you’re one of us, you just don’t understand. And that’s ok. The world takes all types, but what I want to put out there …
Indie Mix and Mingle 8
Had an amazing time at Indie Mix and Mingle 8 in downtown Nashville last week! Got a chance to meet some really amazing people in the business and I’m excited to see the interest in Music Strong and how we can help people! If you don’t know what IMM is, you can check them out on their Facebook page here: …
Fitness for Instrumentalists and Vocalists in Nashville Feb. 6
I’m super excited to announce that Nashville vocal coach Robin Earl and I have teamed up to bring you what will be the first in a monthly series of fitness for musician workshops. We don’t want anyone to feel excluded – this casual, interactive workshop is for everyone: vocalists, sound techs, musicians, song writers, load crew, managers, etc. Musicians have …
Physical Fitness for Vocalists and Athletes Post-Surgery
Just because vocalists don’t hold an instrument doesn’t mean they don’t have specific muscle imbalances that can hinder their musical careers. Meet Liz, a vocal coach and voice trainer here in Nashville who utilized our services to improve her posture, body awareness and freedom of movement to release tension in her neck, upper back and hips and can sing better …
Do You Follow Me On Pinterest?
Music Strong is on Pinterest! Come see what we’re pinning for musicians, for health, for fitness and for fun. [SlideDeck2 id=6105]
Are you Music Strong?
Whew! I have been traveling so much, there has been no time for updating, sorry! This last week I was blessed to have been invited to present at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacadoches, TX. I gave a flute masterclass, a recital, two Music Strong workshops and a presentation on being a musician in the military. It was a wonderful …
Music Teacher’s Helper – Your New Studio Assistant
Having just moved to a new area, I now have a studio of about 24 students and growing – come from an area where getting students was like pulling teeth, being inundated with this many students is not only wonderful but can also be a little overwhelming with trying to keep track of all the finances. To any other music …
Top 10 Ways to Become Who You Want to Be in 2021!
So….2020 carried some good and some bad. I think it’s safe to say that it was not the year any of us planned for. After the home projects were over, the to-do list finished, with trips cancelled there was so much sitting on the couch, binge-watching EVERYTHING and while “quarantine snacks” sound cute, come the fall we found very quickly …
Your Hips Are A Hinge
This article was originally written as a recap after a presentation at the Florida Flute Association Convention. It is such a joy to me to get to be able to personally walk people through the mechanics of fitness and learning how to properly use their bodies to better play their first instrument, their bodies, before picking up the flute. Speaking …
Strength Is a Solution for Hypermobility
No warm up…I hadn’t done on in forever and I’m 37 in this video Hypermobility: something I’ve struggled with in one way or another over the years. (How many 37 yo you know can flip a back bend with no warmup?) What is it? An excessive range of motion in the joints. While most people trainers deal with have the …
Are You Ready to Push the Reset Button?
Yesterday on our podcast, Jen and I talked about some exciting things we have coming up! My exciting thing is the Covid Comeback Challenge! You can secure your spot here, or hit that “Contact” button and tell me what instrument you play. Let’s do this! https://youtu.be/8Nix_pAznz4
Exercises for Flutists
Recently I was asked to write an article for Flutist Quarterly, the quarterly publication of the National Flute Association. There are a LOT of beneficial exercises for flutists, but I picked 2 stretches and 2 strengthening exercises I felt were the most beneficial, with no equipment, for the general population of flute players. These may be more difficult for some, …
Addressing Mental Health for Musicians Through Exercise
I was recently asked to be a contributor in the area of fitness to something called The Musician’s Wellness Starter Pack, which is a comprehensive approach to addressing all areas of musician’s health, but focusing mainly on mental health. As something that doesn’t get talked about enough, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I took a different approach to an …
Podcast Interview with Corpsonore
If you are not following these ladies you’re doing yourself a great disservice. They have a fantastic podcast and website on musician’s wellness from all aspects. I’ll include the podcast audio here, but do yourself a favor and check out the page for more goodies! Link to my episode on their page: Corposonore Podcast Interview with Notes and Recommended Reading …
Beneficial Exercises For Flutists
View PostPlaying Flute with Scoliosis?
A little while back, I received this email from a teacher concerned for her student with scoliosis: “I have a student that has scoliosis. She has been told by her doctor that she is going to have to stop playing flute due to the severity. I know that if she is sitting correctly, and using complete correct posture this really shouldn’t be …
Debunking Weightlifting Myths
I remember back when I was in school for music, going to the gym to lift wasn’t a very popular thing and to be honest, sometimes it was even discouraged. I frequently was cautioned against lifting because I could hurt myself, “what if you crush a finger?” was something I heard on the regular. Most musicians I knew just ran …
Playing With Double Jointed Fingers
Not all of my posts are about exercises and stretches. Sometimes, altering your ergonomics is an option all too few musicians know about, be it changing the way your instrument is made or held or, in this case, using special jewelry to prevent instability in the fingers. I’m going to be continuing this series soon with other instrument specific options, …
Do You Follow Me On Pinterest?
Music Strong is on Pinterest! Come see what we’re pinning for musicians, for health, for fitness and for fun. [SlideDeck2 id=6105]
Are you Music Strong?
Whew! I have been traveling so much, there has been no time for updating, sorry! This last week I was blessed to have been invited to present at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacadoches, TX. I gave a flute masterclass, a recital, two Music Strong workshops and a presentation on being a musician in the military. It was a wonderful …
Keep It Simple!
Happy New Year! Welcome to the time where people make resolutions on all kinds of things; from losing weight to saving money. If you’ve made any kind of health related resolution this year, I commend you! There’s no time like the present to make your dreams become reality. By the time you read this, you may have already long given …
Upcoming Middle Tennessee Flute Days
There are two excellent opportunities for growth, learning and fun for Middle Tennessee Flutists coming up VERY soon! January 26, 2013 Middle Tennessee State University Flute Festival Website: http://mtsuflute.weebly.com/2013-mtsu-flute-festival2.html Guest Artist: Kate Lukas Guest Artist Biography: KateLukas is Professor of Flute at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is a former faculty member of the Guildhall School of …
Tonal Imagination – Overcoming Focal Dystonia with Dr. Roger Martin
This article comes from my former flute professor, Dr. Roger Martin, the Professor of Flute at Tennessee Techonological Unviersity in Cookeville, Tennessee, where I got my Bachelor’s in Flute Performance. During my last few years there, we knew he had started to develop a strange problem – his fingers wouldn’t do what he “told” them to do. We knew he …
Flute Day 2012
Flute Day 2012 was a HUGE success! Thank you so much to everyone who helped me make this happen. Special thanks to Liz Pritchett Vergili and Altus Flutes for giving us the space to use. Thanks to Dr. Jessica Dunnavant for helping me to organize and know how to pull this off. Thanks to Dr. Roger Martin from TTU and …
Flute Day 2012!
Check out the Brochure!  flute day brochure Flute Day is November 3, 2012 and will be held at Altus Flutes in Mt. Juliet, TN. They will have Altus, Azumi and Jupiter flutes, piccolos, altos and basses available to play and try. This Flute Day is really focused on middle schoolers and high schoolers, and what’s important to them, …
Music Teacher’s Helper – Your New Studio Assistant
Having just moved to a new area, I now have a studio of about 24 students and growing – come from an area where getting students was like pulling teeth, being inundated with this many students is not only wonderful but can also be a little overwhelming with trying to keep track of all the finances. To any other music …
Morning Mobility in Las Vegas – A Resource List
Thank you to everyone who came out to my workshop “Morning Mobility” at The National Flute Association convention in Las Vegas! I had a great time with you and I hope you learned a lot. In case you didn’t get the handout, you can download it by clicking on this link – Morning Mobility.Some of the blog posts I mentioned …
Physical Fitness for Vocalists and Athletes Post-Surgery
Just because vocalists don’t hold an instrument doesn’t mean they don’t have specific muscle imbalances that can hinder their musical careers. Meet Liz, a vocal coach and voice trainer here in Nashville who utilized our services to improve her posture, body awareness and freedom of movement to release tension in her neck, upper back and hips and can sing better …
Fitness Training for PCOS
Personal trainers can help you with weight loss, yes, but they can also help you change your lives, your habits, make you stronger and Heather’s case, help you prepare for pregnancy.
Do You Follow Me On Pinterest?
Music Strong is on Pinterest! Come see what we’re pinning for musicians, for health, for fitness and for fun. [SlideDeck2 id=6105]
Music Strong Goal Challenge 2014
The goal here is to change your daily habits, which will change your life. This is not a quick fix. This is a life change.Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired with yourself? You vow, seemingly daily, to get back on the right track, to do what it takes, to meet your goals. You know what to …
Top 10 List to Get to Who You Want to Be
So you’ve made it through all 9 weeks and here we are at the last week. I originally said there would be 9 steps, but turns out there are 10, though you may feel 10 is optional I want you to give it some serious thought. Have accountability and take responsibility What does that mean? 1. Take complete responsibility for …
Get Off the Hamster Wheel! Tip #9 Commit to doing some exercise every day
How successful were you at writing things down last week? Did you do it every day? Most days? What were your results, reactions? Were you surprised by how much, how little or the reality of what you were eating? If you remember, the goal of last week was not to JUDGE what you ate, simply to make note of it. …
Get Off the Hamster Wheel! Guide To Change Your Habits Tip #8
If you haven’t read last week’s post, you can do so here: Get Off the Hamster Wheel Tip #7 We are down to the last few tips, and you know, I really struggled with this week’s and next week’s tips, trying to figure out which should happen first. It came down to this: Which small action do I have the …
Get Off the Hamster Wheel, Guide to Changing Your Habits Tip #7
Getting right to the point this week, this of course builds on last week: Tip #7 If you think you want to eat, ask yourself these questions: Am I really hungry? What do I want to eat? If it is a sweet ask yourself this: Could I be satisfied with a healthier option, protein or a meal instead? If the …
Get Off the Hamster Wheel! Guide to Changing Your Habits Tip # 6
So what’s the story on the last week? Did you eat yourself into oblivion with cookie dough/doughnuts/chips and cheese, etc.? Do you look like the Pilsbury Dough Boy? Are you sick of eating your “vice” or “nemesis food”? Did you find that this was easy to do or difficult? My guess is difficult. When I finally started allowing myself to …
Get Off the Hamster Wheel! Tip #5
So how did last week go? Did you have an easy or a hard time incorporating more whole foods into your diet? I know that for me, when I’m on the run, it can be more difficult. So I ALWAYS make leftovers and then night before the next day I pack my lunch, I include my piece of fruit, my …
9 Things You Need to Do to Actually Lose the Fat, Get the Body You Want and KEEP IT! Tip #2
If you haven’t read the first post, go here: Getting Off the Hamster Wheel: Tip #1 How successful were you at last week’s challenge? Were you able to drink more water? The amount you needed to drink? Were you consistent? Was it harder than you thought to not do anything else goal-wise?Thought so. 🙂 By now, you’ve probably noticed how …
10 Things You Need to Do to Actually Lose the Fat, Get the Body You Want and KEEP IT! Tip #1
How many times have we all done it?Once?A dozen?A hundred times?How many times have we said to ourselves “ENOUGH! I have had enough of being fat, and feeling gross and my clothes not fitting….(insert frustration of choice here)”. We start that minute with iron-willed resolve, only to have it seem a distant memory 4 hours later when hunger strikes and …
Protein Peanut Butter Cups?
Ok, so while I still have special love in my heart for Power Crunch Bars, I have a new favorite protein bar, and they’ve come out with something amazing, peanut butter cups! The cups have the same amount of calories (I think) as Reese’s, but 20g of protein! I dare you to find that anywhere else. Oh, and did I …
Protein “Nutter Butter” Bar?
Is it possible? If you haven’t tried the Peanut Butter Creme flavor of Power Crunch Bars then you obviously don’t know. These taste ridiculously similar to “Nutter Butter” candy bars – they are wafer cookies with protein creme and I’ve been told they are amazing straight out of the freezer! As a Power Crunch Ambassador, I’m happy to announce that …
Quest Nutrition Bars
Quest is the perfect nutrition bar for anyone looking to get top quality protein while dropping some carbs from their diet. Quest bars are as tasty and convenient as a candy bar, while maintaining all of the nutrition of a carefully prepared meal that’s packed with fiber to make you feel full and to help with digestion and weight loss. …
What Did You Bring For Lunch? Meatza?
I am extremely excited to announce the launch of a brand new product I highly believe in. There has been a need for this product for so long, I’m surprised no one thought of it sooner! The vast amount of people in this country who do not cook for themselves because they are Intimidated Don’t know how Lazy is astounding. …
How to Lose Fat – The TRUTH About Fat Loss
How to Lose Fat – The TRUTH About Fat Loss Even though the main impetus of Music Strong is to help people create stronger, less pain-riddled, more mobile, fully functioning bodies (with an emphasis on musicians) as a personal trainer, the majority of my clients still come to me with one main goal in mind: FAT LOSS. That’s why YOU …
3 Lean Body Secrets No One Has Told You
3 Lean Body Secrets No One Has Told You | Articles Oh how I love this article. Why? Because it speaks the truth about what it actually takes to not only GET that lean body but more importantly KEEP it. In fact, as we approach Thanksgiving, the time dedicated for giving thanks for our many blessings…and promptly celebrating those blessings …
Supplements for General Health
The world of supplements can be an extremely confusing one. How are you supposed to know the difference between marketing hype and truth? Throw in “muscle building”, “weight loss” and all the other supplements besides general health and most people give up choosing to do nothing than get something they don’t understand. In the Realm of General Health First, understand …
How to Make Your Own Greek Yogurt
If you are like me, you’ve discovered the deliciousness that is Greek yogurt. You’ve also discovered the sticker shock that comes with it. $4 for a PINT??? It’s about the same as a pint of raspberries. Neither of which price I understand. Until I can grow my own berry bushes, I will settle for making my own yogurt. It is …
Flute Day 2012!
Check out the Brochure!  flute day brochure Flute Day is November 3, 2012 and will be held at Altus Flutes in Mt. Juliet, TN. They will have Altus, Azumi and Jupiter flutes, piccolos, altos and basses available to play and try. This Flute Day is really focused on middle schoolers and high schoolers, and what’s important to them, …
Music Teacher’s Helper – Your New Studio Assistant
Having just moved to a new area, I now have a studio of about 24 students and growing – come from an area where getting students was like pulling teeth, being inundated with this many students is not only wonderful but can also be a little overwhelming with trying to keep track of all the finances. To any other music …
Ep. 65: Nutrition for Musicians with Duncan Rock Part-1
EPISODE 65 Nutrition for Musicians with Duncan Rock Part-1 (59:57)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 “And I’m supposed to eat well during performance season too??” We’ve all been there – long hours, late nights, and excess stress during a run of performances can make it seem like “survival” is the name of …
Ep. 64: Nutrition 101
EPISODE 64 Nutrition 101 (56:08)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 Keto! Vegan! Macros! Paleo! What does it all mean?! Have you ever wondered what people are talking about when they mention their latest diet? Or what all these terms are when people are discussing nutrition? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Join …
Ep. 63: Music is Movement
EPISODE 63 Music is Movement (1:18:43)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 Do you move when you play? Are you SURE? Oftentimes during musical performance, we are so engaged in our sound that we become unaware of our physical movements or orientation in space. Even if we did try to measure and notate …
Ep. 62: Neurodiversity in the Musical World with Dr. Jackie Dove
EPISODE 62 Neurodiversity in the Musical World with Dr. Jackie Dove (1:14:25)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 What is neurodiversity, and how does it impact life for musicians? For neurotypical musicians, it may not have occurred to consider differences in the neural processing characteristics of their friends or students who seem to …
EP. 61: Injury Prevention from a New Music Perspective with Danielle Kuntz Part-2
EPISODE 61 Injury Avoidance from a New Music Perspective with Danielle Kuntz Part-2 (36:12)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 I’ve found that composers who understand an instrument’s capabilities are far less likely to write something that will cause repetitive strain or injury! – Danielle “Toolbox Sessions” Virtual Conference – To connect …
EP. 60: Injury Prevention from a New Music Perspective with Danielle Kuntz
EPISODE 60 Injury Avoidance from a New Music Perspective with Danielle Kuntz (42:37)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 I’ve found that composers who understand an instrument’s capabilities are far less likely to write something that will cause repetitive strain or injury! – Danielle “Toolbox Sessions” Virtual Conference – To connect composers …
EP. 59: Changing the Narrative: Working Through Injury, Anxiety, and Shifting Career Paths
Changing the Narrative: Working Through Injury, Anxiety, and Shifting Career Paths EPISODE 58 Changing the Narrative: Working Through Injury, Anxiety, and Shifting Career Paths (01:08:02)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 A lot of musicians feel constant pressure to always be practicing. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit and we all suddenly had …
EP. 58: Taking Responsibility for Your Own Choices – Musical and Self-Care
“Taking Responsibility for Your Own Choices – Musical and Self-Care” EPISODE 58 “Taking Responsibility for Your Own Choices – Musical and Self-Care” (50:04)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 Many musicians are injured and many are playing in pain. In 2012, Dr. Bronwen Ackerman, Professor of Biomedical Science at the University of Sydney, …
EP. 57: Toxic Teachers
Toxic Teachers EPISODE 57 Toxic Teachers (1:13:45)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 Have you ever had a lesson and thought about your teacher, “Wow, what is wrong with that person?” Or worse yet, thought “What is wrong with me?” only to realize in hindsight that you were not the one at fault? …
EP. 56: Breaking Tradition: A Hidden Music Industry
Breaking Tradition: A Hidden Music Industry EPISODE 56 Breaking Tradition: A Hidden Music Industry (1:18:22)WIPEpisode Reference: You can find more about McKenzie at: Instagram – @thefitflutist and @mckenzie_417 “I’m just a musician, no one is going to pay THAT much!!” We’ve talked about “lack mindset” before when it comes to music and business, and many professionals are now working to …
Interview on News Channel 5 Nashville
If you didn’t happen to be watching the news in Nashville yesterday at 6 AM, you missed a story done on us that the news anchor called “the most “Nashville story she’s ever heard” 🙂 Never fear, here’s the video so you can say you didn’t miss it and I explain How Music Strong came to be What is “Fitness …
The Musician’s Essential Exercises
View PostOnline Injury Prevention for Musicians Course
View PostEating for Fat Loss
How to figure out your macros. So, we know we need more calories out than in to achieve fat loss, correct? But how many is that? It’s really not a secret and not exactly a magic formula, but here is how you figure out what you need. (I hate math and I can do this, so bear with me, it’s a …
Study Verifies Strength Training Helps Musicians
Well, this is super exciting! A study just recently published on PubMed has just come out being one of the first studies to find out if specific strength training is more helpful to musicians than general fitness. And the takeaway? YES! You can read the summary HERE. What exciting things to know? up to 91% of musicians experience playing related …
Playing With Double Jointed Fingers
Not all of my posts are about exercises and stretches. Sometimes, altering your ergonomics is an option all too few musicians know about, be it changing the way your instrument is made or held or, in this case, using special jewelry to prevent instability in the fingers. I’m going to be continuing this series soon with other instrument specific options, …
New Study Shows Benefits of Working With a Personal Trainer
Over the course of my career specializing in fitness training for musicians, it has become obvious to me the benefits that come from using a personal trainer, especially when it is combined with a proper nutrition plan. Clients look better, feel healthier, have increased energy, and can play for extended periods without pain. While I see these benefits on a …
Do You Follow Me On Pinterest?
Music Strong is on Pinterest! Come see what we’re pinning for musicians, for health, for fitness and for fun. [SlideDeck2 id=6105]
Lyle McDonald’s Books and Body Recomposition
I am constantly referring people to Lyle’s books. From Rapid Fat Loss, to Flexible Dieting to getting in contest ready shape, he is an absolute authority on the science of fat loss, muscle gain, etc. I’ve put all of his books together in one easy to find place right here. He also has a free forum you can join to …
Protein Peanut Butter Cups?
Ok, so while I still have special love in my heart for Power Crunch Bars, I have a new favorite protein bar, and they’ve come out with something amazing, peanut butter cups! The cups have the same amount of calories (I think) as Reese’s, but 20g of protein! I dare you to find that anywhere else. Oh, and did I …
When You Don’t Know What to Do, Just DO!
Ah…..the wonderful feeling you get from relaxing, taking a break, doing nothing… Which can turn into the feeling of “ugh, I feel awful for doing nothing for so long!” And there are few things more wonderful (to me) the the feeling of working out after a LONG break – remember how the muscles feel to be used, the feeling of …
Morning Mobility in Las Vegas – A Resource List
Thank you to everyone who came out to my workshop “Morning Mobility” at The National Flute Association convention in Las Vegas! I had a great time with you and I hope you learned a lot. In case you didn’t get the handout, you can download it by clicking on this link – Morning Mobility.Some of the blog posts I mentioned …
Resistance Bands
I have used these from all kinds of things: from my boot camp classes to travel, wrist rehab to band resisted squats, pushups and leg kickbacks, you name it. This is your all-purpose resistance band available in several different resistances.
Music Strong in Las Vegas!
I am proud to announce that we will presenting at the National Flute Association Convention in August at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, NV! This year’s convention will be held August 8-11th. I will be giving two presentations this year, this first is a workshop called “Morning Mobility”. The second is part of a “What To Do After College” round …
Gymboss Trainer
This little guy is a GREAT addition to your arsenal. If you are like me (like most of us, and definitely all of my clients) rest times between sets tend to go way longer than they should. This guy stops that by keeping you on track whether you are using it to time rest sets, sprint intervals, etc. What is …
Perform Better
Perform Better is where I get almost all of my training equipment; all kinds of bands, tubing, weights, you name it. What is great about this company is that no job or order is too big or small. You can order just a foam roller for yourself or you can contact them to help outfit your new gym or facility …
Music Strong is Moving to Nashville
Yes, you heard me correctly. The Lord has really opened up a lot of great opportunities for Music Strong in the Music City and come early to mid August I will be moving to Nashville. I will be teaching flute lessons in several area schools and have plans to really promote the mission of Music Strong – empowering musicians to …
Florida Flute Convention 2012
Are you going to be going to the Florida Flute Convention this year? I am and am excited to announce that I be giving two presentations. Being A Flutist in the National Guard – Friday 4:30 PM The first presentation will be Friday at 4:30 PM and is entitled “Being a Flutist in the National Guard”. Drawing on my 8 …
Travel Workouts with No Lower Body Work
I am here in the Smoky Mountains, enjoying a long overdue vacation at my parent’s cabin with my husband and his siblings. The scenery is gorgeous, and as you can see from the picture of the driveway if I want to get out of breath by walking, all I have to do is go up and down the driveway a …
Everything You Know is Wrong!
Last weekend, October 7-8, 2011 I spent two days at the NASM Live Workshop and my head is about to explode from knowledge and all the things I’m dying to share with you! First off, let’s say my ego took a real blow. Back up; first off, I didn’t realize I HAD that much of an ego until I got …
Playing the Flute With Braces
“I have to get braces! Will I be able to play the flute?!” This is an incredibly common question, and one I asked myself when I got braces in the 10th grade. With every student I’ve taught and in my own experience, it’s usually not an issue (though it sure seems scary at the forefront!). In my own experience, I …
PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH THE STAY AMAZING SHOW PODCAST
In this episode, Ricardo and I discuss how musicians can get their bodies ready now that many venues and recording studios are back in business. All musicians, no matter the genre, should listen to the advice of an expert. Your body is your number one instrument. Respect it as you would your music. My book: “The Musicians Essential Exercises“ is a solid …
Ep. 25: Tuned and Strong Meet The Functional Musician
EPISODE 25 Tuned and Strong Meet The Functional Musician (44:11)In this episode Angela of Music Strong and Dr. Jen of Tuned and Toned Performance meets Austin Pancer (The Functional Musician). They talked about his struggles and reasons he started “The Functional Musician”.Austin Pancer, known as The Functional Musician is a bass trombonist ad Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist …
“Get Off the Couch to Get on the Road”: #152 Podcast Interview with The Business Side of Music
Are you a musician? Do you listen to podcasts? If so, The Business Side of Music should be on your playlist radar! Recently I had my second interview with them. Did you know that when playing your instrument, that there’s actually a question of ergonomics? Beyond getting the best sound possible, is there a better way to hold your instrument? …
3 Steps to Prevent Injury, Increase Stamina and Extend Your Career As A Musician
I have been working on something brand new! It’s a program that involves group coaching, community AND content done on your own time, with a series of quick wins to teach YOU how to avoid injury and increase the longevity of your playing career and the 3 core problems that stop most musicians from getting there. When you’ve watched it, if …
Women’s Health, Cancer, Exercise and the Flute
Not all health issues musicians face are overuse injury related. Women’s health and cancer can be an intensely private issue, but where do you turn when you’ve had a hysterectomy, breast cancer, lymph node removal, hernia mesh, etc. and want to get back to playing your instrument (in this case, the flute)? Questions: will I be able to support or …
Podcast Interview with The Thriving Rockstar
A year or so ago a guy named Alex Raykin contacted me out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be interviewed on his podcast. I checked him out and it turns out he had just interviewed one of my other friends in the business, Rusty Osborne – who specializes in helping musicians lose weight and look great …
Live,Instrument Specific Online Workouts!
You may not be performing on stage at the moment but practicing can still wear tear on your body. I’m here to help! In 1.5 hours I’ll will walk you through an instrument specific workout that will keep you strong, healthy and injury free throughout your career as a musician. What you’ll learn: Proper form Workout order How to mobilize, stretch and …
New Decade Special!
It’s not just a new year coming up, it’s an entirely new decade! Forget New Year’s resolutions, why not change your lifestyle habits and finally get real lasting results? One of the biggest hindrances I hear musician have when it comes to fitness is a lack of consistency in their schedule. However, there are times, like the next few weeks, …
Corpsonore
In the last 6 months or so, the musician’s wellness movement has seemed to explode! Whether these people have always been there or things are just now starting to catch fire I don’t know, but I can tell you I am super happy to see this FINALLY happening. When I first got injured….nay, all three times I was injured, performance …
Music Strong Goal Challenge 2014
The goal here is to change your daily habits, which will change your life. This is not a quick fix. This is a life change.Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired with yourself? You vow, seemingly daily, to get back on the right track, to do what it takes, to meet your goals. You know what to …
Are you Music Strong?
Whew! I have been traveling so much, there has been no time for updating, sorry! This last week I was blessed to have been invited to present at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacadoches, TX. I gave a flute masterclass, a recital, two Music Strong workshops and a presentation on being a musician in the military. It was a wonderful …
Music Strong at University of Chattanooga
Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of getting to present a 2-hour workshop to the students and faculty at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. Special thanks to Dr. Heather Small for organizing this event. We had a great turnout and lots of class participation. It was amazing to see how almost everyone had an ache, a pain, an injury …
Upcoming Middle Tennessee Flute Days
There are two excellent opportunities for growth, learning and fun for Middle Tennessee Flutists coming up VERY soon! January 26, 2013 Middle Tennessee State University Flute Festival Website: http://mtsuflute.weebly.com/2013-mtsu-flute-festival2.html Guest Artist: Kate Lukas Guest Artist Biography: KateLukas is Professor of Flute at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is a former faculty member of the Guildhall School of …
Flute Day 2012
Flute Day 2012 was a HUGE success! Thank you so much to everyone who helped me make this happen. Special thanks to Liz Pritchett Vergili and Altus Flutes for giving us the space to use. Thanks to Dr. Jessica Dunnavant for helping me to organize and know how to pull this off. Thanks to Dr. Roger Martin from TTU and …
Foam Rolling Class in Hermitage, TN!
I’m very excited to announce I’ll be leading my first foam rolling class at Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Hermitage, TN. It’ll be 30 minutes of self-massage and just like a good massage, you feel pain followed by relief, difference being YOU are in control of the pressure. You’ll leave the session feeling more relaxed (or possibly more energized), …
Flute Day 2012!
Check out the Brochure!  flute day brochure Flute Day is November 3, 2012 and will be held at Altus Flutes in Mt. Juliet, TN. They will have Altus, Azumi and Jupiter flutes, piccolos, altos and basses available to play and try. This Flute Day is really focused on middle schoolers and high schoolers, and what’s important to them, …
Morning Mobility in Las Vegas – A Resource List
Thank you to everyone who came out to my workshop “Morning Mobility” at The National Flute Association convention in Las Vegas! I had a great time with you and I hope you learned a lot. In case you didn’t get the handout, you can download it by clicking on this link – Morning Mobility.Some of the blog posts I mentioned …
You must be logged in to post a comment.