5 hand exercises for musicians

Many times we do not think about how physically demanding music can be when we start music lessons. However playing an instrument can be very demanding on ones hands. In order to protect your hands and to build endurance and control it is important to warmup your hands by doing stretches throughout your practice time.

Forearm Stretch

• Start with your left arm straight in front of you.

• Let your hand flop downward at the wrist

• Place your right hand over your left hand (above the fingers).

• Gently pull your left hand towards you until you feel a stretch.

• Hold for 15 seconds.

• Repeat with opposite arm

Elbow Stretch

• Start with your left arm straight in front of you.

• Rotate your arm so that your palm is facing upward.

• Place your right hand over your left hand fingers.

• Gently pull your left hand towards you until you feel a stretch.

• Hold for 15 seconds

• Repeat with opposite arm

Finger Flicks

• Hold your hands in a loose fist in front of you.

• Flick your fingers open.

• Hold for a few seconds

• Repeat

Finger Scissors

• Start with relaxed hands.

• Spread your fingers apart.

• Hold for a few seconds.

• Repeat

Wrist Circles

• Hold your hands in a loose fist in front of you.

• Rotate your wrists in a circle several times in one direction.

• Relax.

• Repeat in the other direction.