Can You Strengthen Your Hands With Mechanical Devices?Learn how you can "practice" with your hands without actually playing your instrument!In this video, you will learn how you can "practice" with your hands without actually playing your instrument! Watch the video to learn more. Released on November 19, 2014 DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees. Video TranscriptionHi, and welcome to virtualsheetmusic.com and livingpianos.com. I'm your host Robert Estrin. Today's question is: 'Can you strengthen your hands with mechanical devices?' This is a really good question, and a lot of people want a short-cut to gaining strength. They think maybe there's some contraption that can help. Well, let's kind of break it down for you a little bit. I guess what comes to mind when I hear this question, the first thing I think of is Robert Schumann. And the tragedy that he faced in his life, because indeed he tried to strengthen his fourth finger specifically, which as you know is the least independent finger. And I don't know if he used weights, or pulleys, there's different stories about what that technology was, but he destroyed his hands and was never able to perform again. And this led to all kinds of emotional problems for him later in life. But that's a whole story for another video that we'll get into. But are there any devices that can work? Well, you know sometimes on vacation I will take one of those spongy balls that you squeeze. Just to keep my hands in shape. So there are things you can use, but you want to use something that provides some resistance, but I would really caution against using anything beyond something where you're using the own strength of your hands. And that's where the real key is. So the best thing of course is to practice your instrument. There's no substitute for doing that for developing strength. And of course being, using a lot of common sense. Don't just sail into it if you've been away from it on vacation for a couple of weeks. You don't want to sit down and play the hardest music you can play that's virtuosic and all that, and fast. But playing and building up and playing as much as you can will build strength. As far as mechanical devices I would be very cautious. If any of you have any routines that you rely on, any kind of equipment that you find...you know, I've seen those things you squeeze with springs you know, as long as you're not overdoing it, you could perhaps try some of those things. But the spongy balls I know are a safe bet because they come in different squishiness factors. I'm sure there's a better word for that. But a lot of the physical therapy places utilize these. In fact people who really have like trauma, and are getting over surgeries will sometimes use the squeezy sponge balls in water, in a bath situation. So that everything is relaxed and limber. So that's the important thing, is don't do anything that is taxing, that makes sudden jerky movements. And I would certainly completely avoid anything that is an outward device, weights, and things of that nature. All right. Well that's the question for today. I hope this helps you. Any of you have insights please post to comments and maybe it will be helpful for all of us to learn more about this subject. Thanks so much for joining me, Robert Estrin here at virtualsheetmusic.com and livingpianos.com. Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com Comments, Questions, Requests: BruceF75 * VSM MEMBER * on December 19, 2017 @10:45 am PST
I forgot to say that I play the cello. The left had does require some strength! If I'd been practicing the piano I'd have broken the pull-down tray!
BruceF75 * VSM MEMBER * on December 18, 2017 @11:17 am PST
This isn't about strength, but about fingering. Some years ago my community orchestra was to play at the concert hall in Seattle. I was busy traveling and would be coming back the night before. I worried that I couldn't practice for several days before the performance. My solution was to take the music with me. Then on the plane coming back from the East Coast, I practiced the fingering of all the pieces. People thought I was weird - my hand in the air with different fingers going up and down, but it helped. The concert went well, I was happy, and the next day left on another trip. Not the best way to practice, but helpful.
![]() Robert - host, on December 18, 2017 @2:38 pm PST
I'm sure the experience enhanced the solidity of your performance. You can learn more about practicing away from the piano here:
https://livingpianos.com/how-to-play-piano/how-do-you-play-the-piano-with-your-mind/ Michael Prozonic * VSM MEMBER * on November 22, 2017 @2:50 pm PST
I have been playing organ and piano for over 50 years and after i retired, I wanted to learn to play the guitar. I quickly discovered that the grip strength in the left hand was different so I invested in an inexpensive finger exerciser that had adjustable spring tension and I could carry it around in my pocket everywhere I went. Each finger was individually adjustable and actuated. I thought it was helpful for my transition. Perhaps this could be helpful for others and it is a really minor investment.
I do agree that nothing can be as good as practicing on the real thing and if you want strength……scales scales scales. Today my 4yo grand daughter played her 5 fingers in a row on each hand and I couldn’t have been prouder. We can’t all be Mozart. Enjoy what you play today and learn something new tomorrow Display more comments... (5 more)
|
What next?
Be notified of new videos Browse piano sheet music repertoire Visit Robert Estrin's website Contact Robert Estrin via e-mail Contact Robert Estrin at (949) 244-3729 Become a Member! |