A performer without stamina is like a sailboat on an ocean without wind. It may look great, but there is no energy to propel the boat to its destination.
As we jazz run into the months of summer, there is no better time than the present to increase your stamina—energy level and concentration over a long period of time.
If you are a high school performer just ending the school year, move now toward creating a workout regimen that will give you high amounts of energy by September. If you are a performer in a drum corps, your season is now, but it is never too late to build your body during your time away from rehearsals.
Your summer stamina workouts should be balanced between cardio and weight training with consistency as a key factor.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Without cardio training, your body is going to hit the proverbial wall in the middle of the final flag feature in a show.
Choose exercises like running, jogging, swimming, or using the treadmills or elliptical machines to increase your cardiovascular strength.
Weight Training
To build your muscular stamina, work out with less weight; however, do twice as many repetitions in your exercises. Try using items you can find in your home. For bicep curls, use soup cans, your rifle or books. The focus of this exercise should not be building strength but training for long-lasting exertion that will allow you to keep pushing through a performance.
Consistency
Stamina builds on itself. Schedule workouts at least three times a week and stick to your schedule as much as possible. By the end of summer, you will be ready to attack that fall field show like never before.
Caution: Do not try to work out every day when you start out. Too much exercising in a short period of time can lead to injury and burnout. So be practical when planning.
About the Author
Chris Casteel has been involved in the color guard activity since 1981 as a performer and an instructor. She has a master’s degree in education. She has instructed several medaling guards for the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC). Currently, Chris is an adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and the WGASC as well as a guest adjudicator for many other circuits. She also holds the position of education coordinator for the WGASC.
