<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Exercising – Guitar Kitchen</title> <atom:link href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/category/exercising/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com</link> <description>Music, Life and Ideas</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:35:40 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">109302794</site> <item> <title>Football/Soccer Fitness for Older Athletes</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-football-soccer-fitness-for-older-athletes/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:07:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[football]]></category> <category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wellness]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=6449</guid> <description><![CDATA[The post encourages soccer enthusiasts of all ages to enhance their fitness by starting from the feet up, focusing on building a strong base for better play into their 40s and 50s. It cites top players who excel in their mid-30s as inspiration and emphasizes the importance of proper training, conditioning, and recovery, quoting resources like "Built from Broken." Key recommendations include prehab exercises for common injuries, stability movements, mobility work, yoga, and ensuring good sleep and nutrition. Always seek medical advice before starting new exercises.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Please check out some great ways (at any age really) to <strong>improve/maintain/cultivate your overall fitness</strong>, and therefore your fitness for soccer/football. </p> <p>These are some ideas I’ve been using for a long time, as well as some newer ideas I have more recently discovered.</p> <p>(I’ll be updating this over time. But hope you enjoy!)</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>The basic idea/concept – start from your feet up. Build (and/or rebuild) your base. Then go from there.</p></blockquote></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inspiration</h2> <p>Look at all the top players that are in the their mid 30s. </p> <p>I think this is unprecedented. My conclusion – that many more players are going to be performing at a high level for another 5 more years than they used to. </p> <p>And therefore more amateur players will extend their playing years as well. </p> <p><strong>And since most amateur players don’t every realize their peak, they can still play for fun way past their mid-30s, probably into their 40s and 50s, with proper application of recovery, training, conditioning, etc. </strong> </p> <p>Some guys already play into their 60s, though I think they are much more of a rare breed (but best wishes to them!)</p> <p>It wouldn’t be the first time: look at <strong>Pele</strong>, <strong>Maldini</strong>, <strong>Roger Milla</strong>. </p> <p>It’s been done before. But now the collective society is realizing that it’s possible to play top level soccer another 5 years with proper prehab/corrective exercises, etc. Consider:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Messi</strong></li> <li><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong></li> <li><strong>Pepe</strong> (from Portugal)</li> <li><strong>Modric</strong></li> <li><strong>Benzema</strong></li> </ul> <p>Some of the best players right now are in the their mid-30s. Obviously, they won’t always be the best, but the take-away:</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Amateur soccer-lovers – it’s possible to play well into your 40s and 50s with proper training, conditioning, recovery and knowledge!</p><cite>If Messi is the best player at 35, most people (with proper preparation) in their 40s and beyond can enjoy a good game of pickup! (imho)</cite></blockquote></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2> <p><em>Always remember to consult with the proper medical professionals before starting a new exercise program!</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Great Resources</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Built from Broken</h3> <p>What a great book! This book has probably answered most of my training/prehab/corrective exercise questions! </p> <p>I highly recommend this to an athlete who need</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://saltwrap.com/pages/built-from-broken/" target="_blank">Author’s website – Built from Broken</a></li> </ul> <iframe sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=guitkitc-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1735728500&asins=1735728500&linkId=26c91a51ecc73ec265e741c7ad45168a&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p><em>The link to Amazon is an affiliate link, so GuitarKitchen would earn a commision.</em></p> <p><strong>One of my top favourite recommended books!</strong></p> <p>You can sign up and get the downloadable workout plans, too:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>In the original draft of the book, I included a complete set of instructions on how to modulate intensity during each workout. Ultimately, I decided this was an unnecessary level of detail and removed the section. However, managing intensity will be a crucial factor for both making strength progress and staying healthy.</p> <p>Generally, complete novices (no training experience) will benefit from a little nudging until they get used to the discomfort that comes with high-intensity exercise.</p> <p>But both intermediate and advanced trainees benefit from the opposite approach.</p> <p>That is, being coached to NOT burn themselves out on every set and every exercise.</p> <cite>Scott </cite></blockquote> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>Get <strong>Built from Broken</strong> from:</p> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/built-from-broken-scott-h-hogan/1139425825" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></p> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Built-from-Broken-A-Science-Based-Guide-to-Healing-Painful-Joints-Preventing-Injuries-and-Rebuilding-Your-Body-Paperback-9781735728506/878379661" target="_blank">Walmart</a></p> <p>Available worldwide:</p> <p>Get a paperback book (English version) of <strong>Built from Broken</strong> shipped worldwide by purchasing from <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Built-from-Broken-Scott-H-Hogan/9781735728506" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>.</p> </blockquote> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yoga</h3> <p>Yoga, especially hot yoga is a great way to improve stability, mobility and over all well-being. While theirs tons of ways to achieve this things, yoga is probably the easiest for the most people (other than <strong>pilates</strong>). </p> <p>Yoga has been designed to help the most people maintain and cultivate general stability, mobility, flexibility and strength. Most other programs just use a slightly different version of the same exercises.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">KneesOverToes guy</h3> <p>What an inspiring guy – he got me back into doing the walking backwards and the tib bar – I used to do that stuff back in the day without realizing how great it was. But I forgot. </p> <p>And he also added the knees over toes split squat, something that for many decades had been coached as a bad thing. </p> <p>Done correctly with proper progression, the ATG split-squat can improve range of motion and a lot of other good stuff!</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kneesovertoesguy.medium.com/" target="_blank">Knees Over Toes/Athletic Truth Group Blog</a></li> <li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.atgonlinecoaching.com/" target="_blank">Online Coaching from Knees over Toes</a></li> <li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://jumpstronger.com/knees-over-toes-exercises/" target="_blank">https://jumpstronger.com/knees-over-toes-exercises/</a></li> <li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://healthclubfinder.org/knees-over-toes/" target="_blank">6 Knees over Toes Exercises</a></li> </ul> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-football-soccer-fitness-for-older-athletes/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F4nhuBzBjWzQ%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><br /><br /><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-football-soccer-fitness-for-older-athletes/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FjIngqODw8x4%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><br /><br /><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-football-soccer-fitness-for-older-athletes/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F1a6nfG69c9g%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><br /><br /><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Build and rebuild from the ground up!</h2> <p>Basically what Ben from Knees over Toes talks about. </p> <p>He doesn’t talk about feet too much, but that would the true base.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Focus on your major areas/joints from the floor up!</h3> <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Feet/Ankles (Ankle Joint)</li> <li>Ankles/Calves/Shins (Ankle Joint)</li> <li>Knees/Legs (Knee Joint)</li> <li>Hips/Lower Back (Hip Joint)</li> <li>Core/Back/Hips (Spine)</li> <li>Shoulders/Chest/Upper Back (Shoulder Joint)</li> <li>Neck/Shoulders (Neck/Head Joint)</li> <li>Face/Neck (Jaw joint, etc)</li> </ol> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prehab/Rehab/Injury Recovery Priorities</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Stability (Static wall sit, bridge, plank, etc)</li> <li>Movement Mechanics (fix/improve/maintain) movement mechanics</li> <li>Mobility</li> <li>Strength</li> <li>Endurance</li> </ul> <p>From <strong><em>Built from Broken</em></strong>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fix/Prehab the Big 3</h3> <p>These, according to <em>Built from Broken,</em> are the major common challenge areas for athletes. </p> <p>Therefore, it makes sense to try to mitigate issues in advance whenever possible!</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Knee issues</li> <li>Back issues</li> <li>Shoulder issues</li> </ul> <p>For soccer players – also, ankle issues.</p> <p>From <strong><em>Built from Broken</em></strong>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Feet</h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Foot Rubz</h3> <iframe sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=guitkitc-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00BXAM6S0&asins=B00BXAM6S0&linkId=fd23cb884b9370cafc9bb2d4865dc108&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe> <p>Please read <a href="https://www.bigbluewaves.net/foot-rubz-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my review on BigBlueWaves.net</a>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengthen your arches</h3> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Short Foot exercises (to raise arches)</h4> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-football-soccer-fitness-for-older-athletes/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F9puHjMvnjdM%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><br /><br /><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p>Mobility Exercises</p> <p>Balance exercises</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengthen your Calves and Shins</h3> <p>Get a Tibialis Bar to Strengthen your Shins</p> <p>Use a resistance band for ankle curls and balance work</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Knees and Upper Legs</h3> <p>Get a Massage Gun</p> <p>Foam Roll your Quads</p> <p>Check out Knees over Toes Guys</p> <p>Do Yoga and other mobility work</p> <p>Do Hot Yoga</p> <p>Get enough sleep</p> <p>Hydrate</p> <p>Glutes and Lower Back</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Posterior Chain</h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shoulders, Neck</h3> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recovery is Key!</h2> <p>Daily Stability and Mobility</p> <p>Yoga</p> <p>Foam Rolling</p> <p>Massage Gun</p> <p>Massage Therapy</p> <p>Good Sleep</p> <p>Hydration</p> <p>Proper diet and nutrition</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Questions, Comments, Suggestions?</h2> <p>Please let me know any ideas you have! I am still learning myself!</p> <p>Best wishes everyone!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6449</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lead with Heart! Verbal Cues to Improve (Guitar) Posture</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/lead-with-heart-verbal-cues-to-improve-guitar-posture/</link> <comments>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/lead-with-heart-verbal-cues-to-improve-guitar-posture/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:03:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Good vibes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self improvement]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=4163</guid> <description><![CDATA[Most guitarists (and anyone, really) can immediately improve their posture by "leading with heart". ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-pullquote is-style-default"><blockquote><p>Instead of saying:</p><p>“<em>Roll back your shoulders</em>” or “<em>don’t stick out your head</em>,” </p><p> Try saying:</p><p>“<em>Lead with heart.</em>“</p><cite><strong>Use the verbal cure, “lead with hear” to creating better posture (and music!)</strong></cite></blockquote></figure> <p>Hey everyone! Hope all is well – all the best!</p> <p>Here’s a few ideas that could help improve your posture and guitar playing, mainly “<strong><em>lead with heart</em></strong>.” </p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>My posture when playing guitar definitely has tons of room for improvement. </p><p>I tend to hunch over the guitar. So reminding myself to <strong>lead with heart</strong> usually helps me to improve my posture in general, and while playing guitar. </p></blockquote> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/heart-1213475_640-e1539544452347.jpg" alt="Play music with your heart, too!" class="wp-image-3490"/></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">“<em>Lead With Heart</em>” – A Great Cue for Improved Posture (& Music)</h2> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote is-style-default"><blockquote><p><strong>“<em>Lead with heart</em>” reminds us to actively create good posture. </strong></p><p><strong>(And also to focus our playing on good vibes and consistent groove).</strong></p><cite>In my humble (non-medical) opinion</cite></blockquote></figure> <p><em>Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional. Please consult with a licensed professional about your specific health issues. The ideas contained in this article (and website) are only (to the best of my ability to communicate) what my own experiences have been and/or theories and ideas I have about stuff. In any case, take care and best wishes!</em></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">How to Use the Verbal Cue “<em>Lead with Heart</em>“</h3> <p>If you find yourself slumped over when playing the guitar:</p> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Visualize <strong><em>leading your body with your heart</em></strong></li><li>And then, relax your shoulders</li><li><strong><em>Leading with heart</em></strong> looks (on the outside) basically like <strong><em>sticking out your chest</em></strong>, but it’s visualized as “<em>leading with heart</em>“, not “<em>sticking out your chest</em>“<ul><li>Obviously, “<em>leading with heart</em>” needs to be done in moderation. In other words, your chest shouldn’t “absurdly” stick out. Just a slight focus on the heart being more in front so that your body feels more poised and less slouched.</li><li>In many respects, it’s same thing as “<em>sticking out your chest</em>” or “<em>not slouching</em>“, but on a mindset/musical level, it may help you create a more balanced, creative perspective <em>and</em> improve your posture</li></ul></li><li>By “<em>leading with the heart</em>” area more, you’ll simultaneously help to naturally un-slouch your shoulders</li><li>People who find themselves sticking out their head may be manifesting an “overthinking” of the music.<ul><li>By rebalancing towards the heart, a musician can rebalance their body and as well as their approach to music. In other words, the mind and heart of the musician can be more balanced while playing.</li></ul></li></ol> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why I Think “Leading with Heart” Helps</h3> <p>Remembering to <strong>lead with heart</strong> (aka stick my chest out while bringing my head back in line with the rest of my body) helps me. </p> <p>It’s a great cue to cascade several physical cues for guitar posture. This applies for either sitting or standing. </p> <p>Also, when I lead with my heart, I try to then relax my shoulders. And when I remember to relax my shoulders, I try to relax my face. Then forearms and hands.</p> <p>Again, this might not work for everyone, but for someone like that tends to slump the shoulders, these verbal cues could really help!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Working Out and Stretching Help Posture, Too</h2> <p>Obviously, good posture can be improved in many different ways. Besides consciously using better posture, stretching and working out also generally help most people improve their posture. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kettlebell Swings Help Posture and Back Strength</h3> <p><strong>And (as a side note) doing kettlebell swings – I’ve started doing kettlebell swings, I really can feel the difference in my posture and back.</strong> </p> <p>My back/posterior chain feels a lot better. My back isn’t sore. I like doing yoga, which helps too. But I think kettlebells may even help more – up to a certain point – to become really flexible yoga does help!</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yoga and/or Stretching Help Posture</h3> <p>I’d like to mention that I’ve also had a lot of good results with doing a little bit of yoga and stretching as well.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_5041-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4382" width="310" height="413" srcset="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_5041-1.png 480w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_5041-1-225x300.png 225w" sizes="(max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px" /><figcaption>Ladybug on a yoga mat</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cascading Verbal Cues for Improved Posture</h2> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Lead with Heart</li><li>Relax my Shoulders</li><li>Breathe/Sing Along</li><li>Relax my Face</li><li>Relax My Arms and Hands</li><li>Grip Ground with Feet (if Standing)</li><li>Tighten Tush (if Sitting)</li></ol> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lead With Heart!</h3> <p>Whenever I feel my shoulders slumping (forward), I tend to:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Ignore the back posture and keep on doing what I am doing</li><li>Stretch and reset</li><li>Try to roll my shoulders back so that I am standing/sitting up straight</li><li>Or say to myself – “<strong>Lead with Heart</strong>“</li></ul> <p>By leading with heart aka sticking my chest out (so that my posture is more upright, not so that my chest is “absurdly” stuck out like a cartoon), I refocus my energy/mind towards my heart chest and away from my head. It’s almost like “getting out of my head”. </p> <p>You could look at leading with heart as focusing on the heart chakra. Or as sticking your chest out, etc. </p> <p>But I like the phrase, lead with heart. It also helps remind me to focus on the feel and intention of what I am doing and maybe not to be so anxious/over-focused on the mental details. Again, this balance between mind and heart is probably different for each person, so this may be something that only some people would want to focus on (leading with heart).</p> <p>Other people will focus on different chakra/body areas (and/or what they represent on a “practical” basis). And all are good. But sometimes it’s about balance. So for someone that tends to lead (in an unbalanced way – very subjective – though good posture is more objective) with the head (in this case literally leads with the head – aka sticks their head out too much), focusing on leading with the heart may be a great verbal cue to help with better posture and overall balance!</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Relax the Shoulders</h3> <p>Even after I am thinking about <strong><em>leading with heart</em></strong>, I tend to notice that my shoulders are scrunched up. So the next thing I try to do (while still leading with heart aka sticking my chest out so my posture improves) is to relax my shoulders.</p> <p>The comibination of a balanced head and chest with relaxed shoulders really helps me to play in a more relaxed manner. And do a lot of other stuff too, like walking, sitting, typing, etc.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breathe (and/or Sing)</h3> <p>The third step in the cascade of verbal cues after the chest and shoulders (seems to me) to be breathing fuller and more consistently.</p> <p>Part of tensing up (for me) usually involves subconsciously holding my breath and/or breathing in a tighter manner.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>One verbal cue to breath (if you’re not already singing) is to <strong>think of the exhale as breathing out the tension</strong>. And <strong><em>the inhale as breathing in vitality and good energy.</em></strong></p></blockquote> <p>Playing music while breathing deeper really helps the music and also helps me to relax.</p> <p>By focusing on breathing, I can conciously connect the flow of the groove and melody to the breath.</p> <p>Also, I can just sing along to the notes I am playing, though I guess for this to work well, I would still need to focus on breathing with the phrasing/structure of the music and relaxing.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="570" height="374" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/great-way-to-learn-musicArtboard-1-e1605284573308.png" alt="Great ways to learn music - learn from the greats, practice makes progress, play what you sing, sing what you play, enjoy the musical journey!" class="wp-image-4331" srcset="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/great-way-to-learn-musicArtboard-1-e1605284573308.png 570w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/great-way-to-learn-musicArtboard-1-e1605284573308-300x197.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /><figcaption><strong><em>Sing what you play | Play what you sing</em></strong> – a great way to incorporate good breath into one’s guitar playing!</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Relax the Face</h3> <p>After focusing on my breath, I tend to notice the next steps will usually be to realize my face is too tight. Sometimes I’ll focus on my hands and arms first, but I think that I usually tend to like to relax my facial muscles first.</p> <p>This usually means my jaw, my cheeks and my eye muscles. I’ll generally relax them as I breath out. </p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Coordinating all relaxation/posture cues while playing music can be challenging. But it’s a great thing to practice a little bit each day! I usually leave this feel better… And you can practice this relaxation/postures without practicing music, too …</p></blockquote> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Relax the Hands and Arms</h3> <p>Next I’ll try to relax my hands and arms.</p> <p>Obviously if one’s hands and arms are too relaxed, then the guitar might just slip away.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Finding the balancing point of being the most relaxed while you can still play well is a very important challenge to keep practicing. When I do this, I usually find myself playing more legato and with a more consistent groove.</p></blockquote> <p>This can be for any activity, but certainly it does apply to guitar.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If Standing, “<strong><em>Grip the Ground</em></strong>“</h3> <p>If I’m standing, aftering leading with heart and then relaxing my breath and body, I’ll grip the ground with my feet.</p> <p>If I’m barefoot, and/or wearing good shoes, this usually feels good, like I am more connected to the earth. I’ll feel my arches and legs get into better alignment, and I’ll feel like I am standing with even better posture and stronger. </p> <p>This is an important cue for musicians and non-musicians alike, IMHO.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“<strong><em>Grip the Ground</em></strong>” activates the arches and creates usually creates a cascading improvement to posture</p></blockquote> <p>Unlike some of the other cues, I don’t expect to always focus on gripping the ground, it’s just something to do occasionally to reset my posture and connection to the ground.</p> <p>If I am standing up and playing music, “<em>gripping the ground</em>” will usually create more powerful posture. It really does seem to help create a more solid base.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If Sitting, “<em>Tighten the Tush</em>” <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3> <p>Tightening the Tush is sort of like gripping “Gripping the Ground”, but for when I am sitting. It completes to the lower part of improving one’s posture. The shoulder and chest usually improve (most of) the upper posture – “<em>tightening the tush</em>” (is sitting) or “<em>gripping the ground</em>” (if standing) improve the lower part.</p> <p>Basically, tightening the tush (to me) means, contracting the Kegel muscle(s), plus the lower abs and a little bit of the glutes.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“<strong>Tightening the Tush</strong>” usually seems to help me sit up straighter, in regards to my lower back.</em></p><p>You don’t have to do it all the time, but it’s good to do sometimes to improve posture.<em> </em></p></blockquote> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Work With the Guitar, Not For It (Ergonomically)</h2> <p>As an aside, I think another verbal cue is “<em>work with the guitar, not for it”.</em> </p> <p>Basically, this means finding the best way for your body to play guitar. In other words, configure and play the guitar so that it best suits your body mechanics. </p> <p>I think a lot of people (myself included) default to adapting their playing posture to the guitar. Of course, this is practical to an extent, but whenever possible, I think it’s always better to find the better posture where you can still play the guitar. This may mean adjusting while you’re playing to play certain notes, then readjusting when playing others, etc.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kettlebells Swings (if it’s okay with your doctor)</h2> <p>I am on a kettlebell kick. But assuming you get the medical go ahead, consider doing some regular kettlebell swings with proper form and kettlebell weight.</p> <p>For me, this kettlebell swings are one of the best practical daily exercises (that I’ve been doing recently) to help my overall ergonomics, posture, strength and flexibility. Of course, only time will tell (I am writing this is in late fall 2020).</p> <p>Moreover, kettlebell swings take up very little room – so they are doable in a lot of different environments and settings – this could be great for anyone – especially musicians.</p> <p>Sometimes, I’ll do a set of 10-40 swings as a practice break – it really helps to balance things out for me! </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Practice Makes Progress!</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1020" height="919" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wynton-12-practice-tipsAsset-2.png" alt="from https://wyntonmarsalis.org/news/entry/wynton-marsalis-12-tips-on-how-to-practice-for-musicians-athletes-anyone - 1. seek instruction 2. write out a schedule 3. set goals 4. concentrate 5. relax & practice slowly 6. practice hard things longer 7. practice with expression 8. learn from your mistakes 9. don’t show off 10. think for yourself 11. be optimistic 12. look for connections" class="wp-image-5146" srcset="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wynton-12-practice-tipsAsset-2.png 1020w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wynton-12-practice-tipsAsset-2-300x270.png 300w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wynton-12-practice-tipsAsset-2-150x135.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px" /><figcaption>from <a href="https://wyntonmarsalis.org/news/entry/wynton-marsalis-12-tips-on-how-to-practice-for-musicians-athletes-anyone" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Wynton Marsalis</a></figcaption></figure> <p>In any case, I hope these ideas (that I am still practicing and seeking to improve upon) help you, too!</p> <p>Of course, like I said before, always do what’s best for you, please consult with a qualified medical professional, and remember that everyone has different ways of doing things.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote is-style-default"><blockquote><p>Just like anything else, you can practice improving your posture!</p><p>Try making better posture a part of your daily musical practice!</p></blockquote></figure> <p>In any case, best wishes!</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-wellness-and-musicianship/" data-type="post" data-id="3843">Ideas for Wellness and Musicianship</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/12-ideas-for-good-health/" data-type="post" data-id="299">12 ideas for good health (Wellness for everyone including musicians)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/health-wealth-and-love-in-music/" data-type="post" data-id="2228">Health, Wealth and Love in Music</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/daily-ideas-for-living-healthy/" data-type="post" data-id="131">Daily ideas for living healthy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/gratefulness-music/" data-type="post" data-id="3898">Practicing Gratefulness (as a musician)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/habit-stacking-music/" data-type="post" data-id="2296">Habit stacking and Music</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/kindness-in-learning-music/" data-type="post" data-id="3840">Kindness in Learning Music</a></li></ul> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/lead-with-heart-verbal-cues-to-improve-guitar-posture/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4163</post-id> </item> <item> <title>How to be a better soccer player!</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/how-to-be-a-better-soccer-player/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2018 07:40:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/?p=58</guid> <description><![CDATA[ I love soccer. It's a beautiful game. So many millions and millions of people love the game. I've met so many good people from all over the world playing football. Just a ball and you can play. If you want to be a better soccer player, at the end of the day and for the interest of long run, do it for the love of the game. Just play as much as you can. Take care of yourself. Dream about soccer. Work on your touch. You should be waking up at night because you are dreaming of soccer.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>I love soccer. It’s a beautiful game. So many millions and millions of people love the game. I’ve met so many good people from all over the world playing football. Just a ball and you can play.</p> <p>If you want to be a better soccer player, at the end of the day and for the interest of long run, do it for the love of the game. Just play as much as you can. Take care of yourself. Dream about soccer. Work on your touch. You should be waking up at night because you are dreaming of soccer.</p> <p>Remember if you are injured, you need to stop and get better or else your injury will continue to get worse. Are you playing in the World Cup? No? Then take a break. You need to push your body but you need to respect your body.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best place to become a better player</h3> <p>On the beach or with better players than you. If you play for four hours a day for as many days as you are at the beach, plus go running around looking at girls in bikinis (or the tidal pools), and go swimming and maybe surfing, you are going to be getting in some serious shape. And maybe you should be going to a beach in a soccer-loving country like Brasil? Playing in the sand also strengthens your legs a lot because it is a lot harder to run in sand. And playing barefoot will help give you a better touch. Just don’t use those plastic soccer balls or your feet will get really sore.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Juggling</h3> <p>Besides playing soccer, I think juggling is a great way to get your skills up. There are the basic foot touches, and thighs and head. But once you get those, there are also all the different pick ups from the ground and a gillion different ways to hit the ball with your foot. Laces, inside, outside, toe, heel, underneath. Plus all the spins and whatever else you can think of! You can juggle by yourself or against a wall, or with a friend, or playing soccer tennis or volleyball.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mental obstacles and accomplishments</h3> <p>The main thing is to get into the flow so you can really feel the game (as it unfolds). Feel the ball, and let yourself play in the moment. Recently I have been hesitating and not creating as a player and I hope to get back to the source. Actually, since I wrote the last line, I have been getting more back to the source, but I want to go deeper where you start playing by intuition a lot more.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Physical accomplishments</h3> <p>You can build endurance if you are patient. Also doing lots of sprints and short bursts of playing at a high level or intensity will help immensely. Remember that physical endurance is a multi-year endeavour. You don’t have to push yourself year round. In fact, you should take breaks. But I think endurance has a culmulative affect; your endurance keeps on pushing up, as long as you take good care of yourself.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Technical issues</h3> <p>My main suggestions would be juggling, as well as working on the specific technical issue. Also, imagine it in your head, your muscle doing it just so, the ball moving, the field, the players. Start in slow mo and speed it up. And once your are normal speed, try to keep speeding it up.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creativity and inspiration</h3> <p>It helps if it is coming from love. If you are having emotional issues regarging the game, admit it and let it out. Then you can play with love again. Also, watching soccer on TV, like the great games and squads will sort through your brain eventually. I think just being outside for a few hours will eventually lead to some inspiration. If you happen not to fell inspired, be gentle with yourself and make sure you play in a logical way. Your inspiration will return.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Feeling the flow of the game</h3> <p>The game always has flow, especially if the players can play. Just the fact there is a ball creates flow. Getting into the flow of game is part of the beauty of playing.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sending out the love</h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Developing courage and positive strength</h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Learning from the masters</h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Being able to see the game</h3> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">58</post-id> </item> <item> <title>67 Steps by Tai Lopez (Review & Steps 0-2)</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-part-1/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2016 06:13:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Financial/Economics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Good vibes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[67 Steps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[review of 67 steps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tai lopez 67 steps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tai lopez 67 steps review]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=2233</guid> <description><![CDATA[So I’m just starting to check out the 67 steps by Tai Lopez and friends.  I am going to try to keep a log of the process as I go. Check out the Tai Lopez Book List, too. Please be aware that while I will attempt to give truthful and helpful reviews/writings of my personal experiences […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="720" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/67Steps-1024x720.jpg" alt="67 Steps , Tai Lopez, Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness, Love, Truth and Peace and Power" class="wp-image-2249" srcset="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/67Steps-1024x720.jpg 1024w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/67Steps-300x211.jpg 300w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/67Steps.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div> <p>So I’m just starting to check out the 67 steps by Tai Lopez and friends. I am going to try to keep a log of the process as I go. Check out the <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-steps-3-6/">Tai Lopez Book List</a>, too.</p> <p><del><em>Please be aware that while I will attempt to give truthful and helpful reviews/writings of my personal experiences with 67 Steps, I am signed up for the affiliate program. Being signed up in the affiliate program means that I will receive a commission if someone follows the links on this page and signs up for the course</em>.</del></p> <p><em>This is <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-part-1/">Part 1</a>. Here’s <a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-steps-3-6/">Part 2,</a> <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-steps-7-14/">Part 3</a>, <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-15-22/">Part 4</a> and <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-23-44/">Part 5</a>.<br /></em></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em><strong>“The safest way to get what you want is to deserve what you want. Deliver to the world what you would buy if you were on the other end.”</strong></em></p><p>Charlie Munger</p></blockquote> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is 67 Steps for You? Basic Review</h2> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Do you like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGNLDywn8hgzqrC9Mlz_Pw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tai’s video’s on YouTube</a>? <strong>If Yes, than <a href="http://2033d02d0302z8vmd2rjy3buet.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=67STEPS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">67 Steps</a> might be a good fit.</strong> Each step has a video with Tai.</li><li>Are you interested in personal development, entrepreneurship, improving yourself, learning/thinking about new ideas?<strong> If Yes, then consider <a href="http://2033d02d0302z8vmd2rjy3buet.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=67STEPS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">67 Steps</a>.</strong> Also, consider other books like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684803313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684803313&linkCode=as2&tag=guitkitc-20&linkId=PC5NOD3STFJPQV3B" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maximum Achievement</a>, <a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/truth-love-power-in-music/">Personal Development for Smart People</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514672111/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1514672111&linkCode=as2&tag=guitkitc-20&linkId=CODAME7UMIWA4O7R" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gorilla Mindset</a>, <a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/positive-self-talk-life-music/">What to Say When You Talk to Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1623366151/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1623366151&linkCode=as2&tag=guitkitc-20&linkId=XHSH4X4HE5V52FIT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Urban Monk</a>. Also, consider <a href="http://www.tailopez.com/books">Tai’s book list</a>.</li><li>Do you like reading and learning about the subjects discussed in the books Tai reads? (i.e. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0wRT1coJh8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eudaimonia</a>) <strong>If Yes, then <a href="http://www.tailopez.com/rd/lp=FS-1845&aff=1077589" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">67 Steps</a> might be of good use to you.</strong></li><li>Do you have 20-60 minutes a day (or way to listen to a daily video/mp3 while you are driving to work, etc)? Do have 10 minutes to write some answers to questions?<strong> If Yes, then consider doing the <a href="http://2033d02d0302z8vmd2rjy3buet.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=67STEPS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">67 Steps</a>.</strong></li><li>Do you have $67 to spend/invest/risk on buying an online course? <strong>If Yes, then consider buying <a href="http://2033d02d0302z8vmd2rjy3buet.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=67STEPS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">67 Steps</a>.</strong></li></ol> <p>If you answered Yes to these 5 questions. Then I would strongly advise trying <strong>67 Steps</strong>.</p> <p>If you answered Yes to the first 4 and not to the last question. Then you may want to consider figuring out how to earn/save/borrow an extra $67. Or maybe consider calling the 800 number to see if 67 Steps will sell you the course for less money.</p> <p>Here’s the famous video about Lambos and books:</p> <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-part-1/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FCv1RJTHf5fk%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a><br /><br /></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 reasons I joined</h2> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>I like the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/tailopezofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Youtube videos that Tai makes</a>. To me, they are inspiring and informative. There’s a bunch of stuff he doesn’t talk about but the stuff that he does talk about seems pretty legit. He’s very generous with what he shares – tons of video content. <ol> <li>To be fair the 2 main criticisms leveled against Tai’s content are that it’s nonspecific and that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRBkS-QWo6w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">he is maybe faking his wealth/67 Steps is a scam</a>. I don’t have the full answer to these questions, but 1) Tai’s strength could be his weakness, that he interconnects different ideas and lets the viewer fill in their own specific. 2) While he may or may not be renting the house he lives in, does it matter if the 67 Steps works? 67 Steps seem legit to me so far (after 3 days)</li> </ol> </li><li>I would like to try doing the 67 steps and see what I can do in terms of my various interests. It seems like a good project. I probably watch about 20-30 minutes of Tai’s Youtube videos almost everyday anyways.</li><li>Truthfully, I want to review 67 steps. And possibly make money from the affiliate program if 67 steps is a good product.</li><li><em><strong>Update</strong>: At some point they stopped allowing smaller reviewer to be a part of the affiliate program. While I respect their decision, it did seem like a bit of a downer, and truthfully, that was where I decided to not pursue the Tai Lopez thing any further (and I pre-ordered a book in October 2017, but, to my knowledge, it has never arrived). </em><strong>At the same time, I’m glad I did the course, and I learned a lot from the course, and I started reading books again!</strong></li></ol> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Overview</h2> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“Welcome to the 67 Steps! Great job on taking action and investing in yourself “</p></blockquote> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why 67 Steps?</h3> <p>I’m checking out the overview of the 67 steps. It’s what you watch first when you sign up for the program. The 67 Steps is based on the idea that it takes 66 days instill new habits.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">How it Works</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Each day has a video/audio between about 20-80 minutes. So far it revolves around a few key themes.</li><li>Everyone taking the course needs to get a notebook to keep notes and to write the answers to each days questions.</li><li>Everyone is encouraged to also post their answers to each days questions in the comment section of that specific step.</li><li>Tai has, in his own words, compiled a great deal of knowledge and ideas from a great many sources – from many books, from personal experience and from talking with many very successful people. He has created the 67 Steps from this material. (Note: there’s actually more like 245-ish steps but he includes multiple steps with each lesson/Step.)</li></ul> <p>The first day so far has been questions that pertain to what you want to get from the program.</p> <p>Here’s what I wrote (with some minor edits):</p> <p><em><b>In 2 months, I hope to create and maintain good vibes, good momentum, good habits and creations. And experience great health, wealth, love and happiness!</b></em></p> <p><em>In 67 days (early June 2016), I hope to be as healthy as I am now, plus even more so. Some things I’d like to do this year: touch the rim, deadlift/sq/bench 300/200/180. I’ll be working towards those things in the next couple months.</em></p> <p><em>In terms of wealth, I hope to create some good/great content in few variety of focuses that each bring in $100/month in online revenue. This would mean making videos, affiliate reviews, creating musical albums and arrangements. Also creating some audiobooks and ebooks. I’d like to start one source of online revenue a month for the next 6 to 12 months and see where it goes.</em></p> <p><em>In terms of music and other things in life, I am happy. I do hope to work on my bebop playing and to start composing and arranging more. I hope to play in some great music and also get a lot chances to play solo guitar. I hope to improve my singing, piano playing, drumming, viola playing. I hope to learn more Spanish and start working on more language(s).</em></p> <p><em>Also, I hope to start learning more about real estate, construction, finance and architecture. Also I hope to start taking private lesson in math and physics. I hope to work on qi gong, juicing and at some point a martial art, maybe capoeira, which I have studied as a beginner.</em></p> <p><em>In terms of love, I hope to muster up my courage to talk to more beautiful women. And I hope maintain and create great vibes with the world at large.</em></p> <div style="padding-left: 30px;"> <p><em>In terms of happiness, I hope to hang out in nature a lot, play soccer and basketball, learn a bunch of stuff.</em></p> </div> <div style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>I realize it’s about to be spring, so I have a bunch of stuff I want to do. I probably won’t get to all of it, but it’s in the direction I am interested in heading.</em></div> <p>Also, Tai suggests to join the VIP program. (You are pretty much automatically subscribed for a 14 day trial membership when you get the 67 Steps). He does have a good point to invest in one self. Some people online have complained that this program is a scam and that when you try to cancel the monthly VIP membership subscription, they won’t cancel it and you will keep getting charged. I plan on trying for 7-10 and deciding to cancel or not.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft" src="http://5d9e9f5f927e41e7a64c-de8da85d2ccee5de1292ed7f6f96d59a.r86.cf1.rackcdn.com/medialib/1426208403.fe92fef99c7678bc1915a8b5ac5b56ac.jpg" alt="Tia Lopez, 67 Steps, From Broke to Driving a Lamborghini" width="160" height="600"/>Day 2</h2> <p>I’m checking out the second half of the overview video and writing while I listen. I like what Tai is saying in general. The program is an interesting concept. It seems fairly well curated. There’s video, there’s little homework assignments, there’s mp3s, there’s a person you can call, text or email. There are a lot of upgrades that are mentioned as well. But you are not highly pressured to do the add-ons. (67 Steps costs $67). Sure, you can upgrade, but it’s a soft sell. And it (investment/scam depending on your point of your view) may prove to pay itself back many times.</p> <p>Tai brings up many great ideas from his life and what his learned from others. His manner of speaking probably works very well with certain people. His ideas are bigger and meant to inspire. He likes to create a lot of connections between different ideas. He doesn’t seem to usually talk about step-by-step, nitty-gritty. He likes talking about big ideas. In other words, if you like very specific details and very specific guidelines to follow, you might find the presentation style frustrating. But if you like bigger picture, inspiration and open-ended styles of learning, this might be something to check out.</p> <p>Tai just mentioned the 50/50. Half of your life having fun and for yourself. Half helping other people. Cool idea.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I did Today</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Listened to 2nd half of overview (20 minutes)</li><li>Wrote email to Tai</li><li>Answered homework questions</li><li>Checked out some of the links (there’s a bunch, I don’t think I’ll have time for every thing)</li><li>Listened to the 1st Step</li></ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">To Get What You Want, You Have to Deserve What You Want</h3> <p>Here’s some ideas discussed in the first Step. I won’t normally share the content of the video out of respect and out of not wanting annoy the creators of the content.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Awareness – possibly the most important attribute to being successful at anything.</li><li>Would you bet on yourself? If not, why not? Then go and fix those things.</li><li>Freud – The Pain of Life is sometimes too hard and people choose not to be so aware in order not to feel pain.</li><li>There’s a time to stop and smell the roses, but (sometimes) the time isn’t now!</li><li>Money represents reciprocal altruism, more or less.</li><li>Play a bigger part. Bigger skills, intangible, wisdom, awareness,</li><li>Check out what <a href="http://www.iep.utm.edu/moral-ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aristotle says about Moral Character </a></li><li>Check out <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/john_wooden_on_the_difference_between_winning_and_success?language=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Wooden’s speech on TED</a></li></ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Day 3</h2> <p>What I’ve done</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Answered the 3 questions from the 1st step</li><li>Listened to the 2nd step</li></ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Articles to Check Out</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li><em>Here’s <a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-review-steps-3-6/">Part 2,</a> <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-steps-7-14/">Part 3</a>, <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-15-22/">Part 4</a> and <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/67-steps-by-tai-lopez-23-44/">Part 5</a>.</em></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/12-ideas-for-good-health/">12 ideas for good health (Wellness for everyone including musicians)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/abundance-and-zero-sum-mindsets-cognitive-bias-distortion/">Abundance and Zero-sum Mindsets – How Cognitive Bias and Distortion Affect Our Thinking</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/daily-ideas-for-living-healthy/">Daily ideas for living healthy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/truth-love-power-in-music/">Truth, Love, and Power in Learning Music</a></li></ul> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2233</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The mind-body conundrum</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/the-mind-body-conundrum/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2013 04:09:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self improvement]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=1769</guid> <description><![CDATA[Interesting idea of the mind and the body. How does music fit into the whole equation?]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Interesting idea of the mind and the body. How does music fit into the whole equation?</p> <p><a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/the-mind-body-conundrum/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F_fgAMhTqxTs%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1769</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Remember to breath when you play</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/remember-to-breath-when-you-play/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 03 Aug 2013 05:47:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=1765</guid> <description><![CDATA[Horn players and singers need to stay in touch with their breathing. Bass players and drummers are tied to the groove – if they lose the groove it’s immediatedly obvious. Guitar players could learn from both. Remember to breath deeply especially when you are playing challenging music. It will help you keep better time and […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Horn players and singers need to stay in touch with their breathing. Bass players and drummers are tied to the groove – if they lose the groove it’s immediatedly obvious. Guitar players could learn from both. Remember to breath deeply especially when you are playing challenging music. It will help you keep better time and make better decisions. It helps with phrasing in both lead and rhythm playing.</p> <p>Check this out:<br /> <a href="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/remember-to-breath-when-you-play/"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FbiFfR2sZGvA%2Fhqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Video"></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1765</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ideas for stronger ankles</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/ideas-for-stronger-ankles/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 16:41:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/?p=1695</guid> <description><![CDATA[Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert, this is just stuff I have found that works for me.  If you have ankle pain or problems, your best bet would be to go to the doctor or a physical therapist. So I’ve had my share of ankle sprains. I’ve collected a bunch of exercises that I […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><em>Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert, this is just stuff I have found that works for me. If you have ankle pain or problems, your best bet would be to go to the doctor or a physical therapist.</em></p> <p>So I’ve had my share of ankle sprains. I’ve collected a bunch of exercises that I try to do regularly. They usually help, though it’s important to only work out so much every day. Some exercises I try to do 3-4 times a week with a day off in between.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Principles for better ankles</h2> <p><strong>1. Strengthen surrounding muscles</strong></p> <p>This generally means the calf and the shin but of course there are many smaller muscles in the foot and the lower leg. All are important. Improve these through balancing exercises and calf and shin raises.</p> <p><strong>2. Strengthen surrounding tendons and ligaments</strong></p> <p>Same exercises as above, but I also try to help tendons and ligaments with self-massage and heat pads. These help to bring more blood which helps with recovery and strengthening. Self massage will point out tender spots that may require extra attention.</p> <p><strong>3. Improve balance.</strong></p> <p>Improving balance and coordination will help to avoid future injuries. The act of improving balance will create a positive neuro-muscular connection, as well as actually strengthen the web of fibers that help the ankle.</p> <p><strong>4. Improve overall body posture and alignment</strong></p> <p>You may be experiencing bad ankles because of imbalances in other areas of your body. Fixing these will help the long-term health of your ankles. Good yoga will help, as well as anything that helps your posture.</p> <p><strong>5. Exercise good judgement</strong></p> <p>Making good decisions about where you are going to place your ankles will help your ankles’ health. Keep them out of harms way!</p> <p><strong>6. Listen to your body and be aware</strong></p> <p>UIn the past, I’ve twisted my ankles when I chose to disregard my body’s messages asking me to stop doing a particular activity. I’ve found when I’m tired and continue pushing my body, my risk of injury increases.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Uncommon exercise ideas</h2> <p><strong>1. Walk, run, workout barefoot in sand</strong> … if you aren’t near a beach, look for a place with sand like volleyball courts, etc. I think the sand helps challenge the stabilizer muscles of the ankle area. At the same time sand usually makes it impossible to twist an ankle because of the extra give. (every day) If you don’t have sand, then work out somewhere that has enough give that you can go barefoot. Of course, make sure the area is safe and that you don’t twist you ankle on unexpected holes. <strong>I like running barefoot or with my socks on on the new, high-quality astro-turf when I don’t have access to the beach</strong>. I can feel this stuff help my ankles. (every day)</p> <p><strong>2. Yoga</strong> – A lot of the exercises in yoga help to strengthen the ankle region. Up dog helps stretch and strengthen the the front of the ankle. Down dog helps strengthen the back part. All the balancing exercises help with all the stabilizer muscles. Also I prefer hot yoga, or at least not cold yoga because I believe it helps to bring more blood and circulation. (every day)</p> <p><strong>3. DARD</strong> – this helps strengthen the front of the ankle and the shins. I would advise using it every other day. It’s harder to find exercises for the front of the ankle/shin than for the back/calves. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E74GB8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000E74GB8&linkCode=as2&tag=guitkitc-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link to Amazon</a> (every other day) . You don’t necessarily need a DARD, as long as you have something that will help to strengthen the shins. (3-5 days a week)</p> <p>4. <strong>Heat pad- If you happen to twist an ankle, put ice on it</strong>. But most of the time, <strong>when your ankle isn’t twisted, put a heat pad on it</strong>. This will bring blood to the area and help it heal quicker. (every day)</p> <p>5. <strong>Self-massage.</strong> If you have tight foot, calf or shin muscle, massage them. This will help bring more blood to the region and speed up healing. (every day)</p> <p>6. <strong>One-legged deadlifts</strong>. This is like doing a yoga warrior 3, but with weights, or like doing a deadlift with one-leg. This has helped me with my balance and strength a lot. Don’t do these when you have ankle pain, but do them when you are recovered to stay strong. (every other day)</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Common, good exercises:</h2> <p>1. Write the alphabet with your ankles. (every day)</p> <p>2. Do calf raises on stair steps (you can do it every day. with weights every other day)</p> <p>3. Use a theraband or bike inner tube. (every day)</p> <p>4. Balancing exercises (every day. if they are super intense maybe 3-5 days a week)</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Links to ankle exercises</h3> <p><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/betteru49.htm">http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/betteru49.htm</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Ankles">http://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Ankles</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1695</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Creating small goals may produce big results</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/creating-small-goals-may-produce-big-results/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 04:28:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[focus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[intensity]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/?p=331</guid> <description><![CDATA[Something in my mind clicked and I started playing attacking back in soccer again. Last night I remembered how to attack up the line. If you play outside defense in soccer (think Cafu and Roberto Carlos), you get the opportunity to begin the playmaking process. For the past two years I have been recovering my […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/path-trees.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-333 alignnone" title="path-trees" src="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/path-trees.jpg" alt="path through a beautiful forest" width="560" height="403" srcset="https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/path-trees.jpg 1000w, https://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/thoughts/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/path-trees-300x216.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></a>Something in my mind clicked and I started playing attacking back in soccer again</strong>. Last night I remembered how to attack up the line. If you play outside defense in soccer (think Cafu and Roberto Carlos), you get the opportunity to begin the playmaking process. For the past two years I have been recovering my energies and confidence after being sick in Africa. When you decide to create a play and continue to the opponent’s box, you’re committing yourself to the possibility of another 100+ meter sprint back on defense. If you think about doing this many times throughout the game, you realize you probably will be too tired if your fitness isn’t 100%.</p> <p>In any case, I decided to try creating a little more offensive attack. I wouldn’t go up every play but maybe every 4th or 5th. It would help keep the other team on its toes and provide more momentum for our team. I could feel the gears shifting once the guys understood I was running the line again. It opened up the field and the midfielder in front of me began to cover for me occasionally.</p> <p>Though we lost the game, it wasn’t due to chances created but rather to defensives lapses. I would like to improve my overall defensive playing and believe I could be a lot better if I was a little quicker mentally in some critical situations. I still am devising a way to hone my defensive skills. But the biggest gap in my game currently is offensive playmaking and attacking. It’s the World Cup in 2 weeks and I gotta score some goals!</p> <p>Today I had another game at 11 am, about 10 hours after the end of the last game. My mental plan for the game:</p> <ol> <li>play solid defense</li> <li>see the field in advance and pass well</li> <li><strong>go up 5 times each half</strong></li> </ol> <p>In general, I followed all 3 parts of my personal plan. I am used to concentrating on solid defense and passing. But I haven’t used a quantitative measure for something in soccer since I started juggling (keep-ups). <strong>All I had to do was go up 5 times and I could sleep well knowing I improved my game.</strong></p> <p>This team had never seen me go up before, but they adapted quickly and I could feel the energy from our team picking up. The field open wider and several goal-scoring opportunities were created. While it didn’t have an amazing impact on the game, it was a lot of fun and I feel like it helped our team progress past a hurdle we have been experiencing during the begininng of the season.</p> <p>My point? <strong>By attacking 5x per half </strong>(instead of just playing man-marking, static defense)<strong>, my level of play increased dramatically and it helped the flow of the game considerabl</strong>y. I set and achieved a small goal which really helped the game. And there was no real downside because I could rest between sprints (100-200 meters) up and back. Also, I would pace my playing throughout the game. Sometimes I wait until the last 15 minutes when our team is down by a goal to start seriously attacking from the back line. By then it is usually too late.</p> <p>So next time, instead of trying to practice 3 hours a day, just plan to practice 10 minutes. It’s something you know you’ll be able to complete. Make the most of those <a href="http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/10-minutes-of-intensity/">10 minutes</a> and you will be satisfied! Or do 10 minutes of yoga. Or 1 minute of breath of fire. Or dance or sing to one song every day. The small, little things add up. Your brain just wants a little input so it can marinate up something really tasty!</p> <p><em>Thanks to </em><a href="http://www.carmencordelia.com/" target="_blank"><em>Carmen Cordelia</em></a><em> for the beautiful photo.</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">331</post-id> </item> <item> <title>‘Getting in shape’ – Quick ideas for musicians</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/quick-ideas-for-getting-in-shape/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:04:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Good vibes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/?p=192</guid> <description><![CDATA[A drummer friend asked for suggestions about getting in shape.  This is for folks who aren’t already doing this stuff. Here’s my general advice to anyone that doesn’t have specific medical issues, etc..: eat a fruit or vegetable dish with every meal – you should eat 3-5 meals a day stretch every day do strength […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>A drummer friend asked for suggestions about getting in shape. This is for folks who aren’t already doing this stuff. Here’s my general advice to anyone that doesn’t have specific medical issues, etc..:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>eat a fruit or vegetable dish with every meal – you should eat 3-5 meals a day</li><li>stretch every day</li><li>do strength training 3 times a week – you don’t have to go to the gym, you can do pushups and situps</li><li>do something active every day or almost every day for at least 30 minutes. If you have a sitting job, you can still walk, dance, run, play sports, do yoga for a bit</li><li>take care of general wellbeing…teeth, skin, hair</li><li>wear shoes that don’t hurt your feet…or at least find some good insoles</li><li>drink plenty of good water</li><li>focus on heart rate, blood pressure instead of weight…your body will find its ideal weight naturally once you treat it right</li><li>sleep a good amount – if you haven’t slept enough then you should take a nap/siesta</li><li>well there’s plenty of other stuff but hope that helps</li></ul> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">192</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Brain Exercises</title> <link>https://www.guitarkitchen.com/brain-exercises/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[bluegreenguitar]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 04:57:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exercising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guitarkitchen.com/thoughts/?p=56</guid> <description><![CDATA[Use the brain for your health and to create good vibes. Learn new things. Laugh. Hang out with friends. Talk about ideas, feelings... Draw Imagine. Here's a bunch of exercises that might be of interest. You can think of them as brain workouts, daydreams, meditations,.... ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Use the brain for your health and to create good vibes. Learn new things. Laugh. Hang out with friends. Talk about ideas, feelings… Draw Imagine. Do all the stuff that makes kids happy. In general, kids have the healthiest brains (well I don’t have proof of that really), so learn from them because they know how to learn best. Here’s a bunch of exercises that might be of interest. You can think of them as brain workouts, daydreams, meditations,….</p> <h2>Memory exercises</h2> <h3>Recall preceding days</h3> <p>One I just learned: every day, remember five things that happened for each of the five preceding days. This will sharpen your memory. First start with simple things, then once you can do that quickly, remember the pictures and smells and sounds and feelings, etc associated with each.</p> <h3>Hear the song in your head</h3> <p>Remember a song as well as you can, the words, the melody, the different parts to the song in its entirety.</p> <h3>Picture the Mona Lisa</h3> <p>Try to remember all you can about a famous painting or work of art.</p> <h2>Visualizations</h2> <h3>Create a work of art</h3> <p>Imagine there’s a giant canvas in your mind and a paintbrush. Paint a picture in your head, brush stroke for brush stroke. You can change colors, too. And add things other than paint. You can make a sculpture.</p> <h3>Objects</h3> <p>Think of something you know really well. That you can picture in you head. Say a basketball or an iPod or an apple. Picture the item in your head. Now spin it around, then spin around it. Go closer and farther away. Imagine it spouts wings and flies away. And imagine there are two more and they all have wings or feet, and are flying or walking around. Etc…</p> <h3>Geometry</h3> <p>Do something geometric, like imagine a point, then a line, spin the line around. Then unfold it into a triangle, then make it into a pyramid. Then go back into a triangle and start to make your own fractals.</p> <h2>Language</h2> <p>Of course the obvious choice is to learn a language! Try Rosetta Stone. It is really nice. You just have to do it and you will learn. It is not like some computer programs where you have to put the bits and pieces together. It has a comprehensive approach.</p> <p>I think writing is always exercise for the brain, especially, if you try to stretch your verbal limits.</p> <p>Learning a rap, like 2pak or Emimem or whoever. Once you have figured out the words, repeating it back right on is a challenge for most people. And that means more than the chorus, you know?</p> <h2>Aural, tactile, olifactory</h2> <p>For these you can switch imagining the sound for the touch for the smell for the taste, you know?</p> <p>Hear different sounds from nature, like the ocean or a waterfall or a fire burning. Bring the different sounds together. Imagine they are in different places, sort of like you are surround sound.</p> <p>Imagine new sounds that don’t exist or that you have never heard. What would a catepillar walking sound like? Hear it in your head. Etc…</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">56</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>