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Question: Switched from Flute to Tuba!.!.!. shoulders
Hello! I am a Flautist and I am switching to Tuba for marching band!. I have carried it and marched for a day (4 hours in 105d weather), so I know what its like!. It hurts!. Its hot!. I have bruises on my shoulders and neck!. I love it!. :)
Now, it may just be because I'm a girl, but it REALLY hurts!. I know theres a pad I can use, but to be honest, its really kinda wussy!. Now is there any way to get those shoulder muscles up; like an excercise I could do at the gym!? I just wanna make it hurt a bit less!.
Thank ya!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
There are several ways to beat the pain, in time, your shoulder will grow accustomed to having the sousaphone resting on your shoulder!. In the meantime, take a towel to band camp and rest it between your shoulder and the horn!. This will aid in the raw shoulder feeling that you will get, and everyone that I know of has done that at one point or another!. By the end of a month or so, you should be able to carry the horn without any problem whatsoever, your muscles will adapt!. Good Luck!!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Excercise for toning; do pull ups where the bar goes behind yoor head!.
Pain relief; Tiger balm! or icy hot if you really enjoy the burn!
Honestly, i tell my tubists to not be martyrs, use the pad in practice until they bulk up & then at least perform without the pad!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
If you have an elastic exercise strap, fasten on end!. Place the strap over the shoulder and facing away, pull as if pulling or dragging a load!.
I am over 70 and remember the pain!.Www@QuestionHome@Com