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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Gym Workouts for Photogs
Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 4:25 PM on 03.11.10 |
->> I hate going to the gym, but to stay healthy and b/c I get a membership via work, I go.
Are there any specific stretches, weight lifts or anything that you all find are helpful for us photogs, especially carrying all kinds of gear around during sports events?
I've found a few that I like, but wondering if anyone has any other good tips.
Thanks!
~ nic |
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David Welker, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 4:31 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> work your legs.. that is the number one thing I have learned over the past few months. so leg press and such. I have also been working out my triceps. Pull ups are good for working the shoulders, in the case that you are shooting vertically for a long period of time without a gripped body. |
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Jim Pierce, Photographer
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Waltham | MA | USA | Posted: 4:49 PM on 03.11.10 |
->> I asked my Dr. this a few months ago and the response was STRETCH and STRETCH more. he said it is not about strength in my case but the fact that the arms/legs etc can be in the same location for long periods, hence the muscles get tight. Do this day after day and carry a couple cameras around my arm/biceps actually start to feel like my throwing arm did when I played college ball after 4 weeks, fatigued, and weights was not the solution rest and stretching was, rest was out of the question so it was stretching. The same is true now I guess.
Not that strength training will hurt but stretching is important too.
Jim |
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Jason Joseph, Photographer
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Dublin | OH | USA | Posted: 4:57 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> Toe touches seem to best prepare me for dealing with some clients. |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | US | Posted: 5:08 PM on 03.11.10 |
->> I was actually pretty worried about this before heading off to Vancouver. After talking to my doctor and doing a bunch of Internet research, I settled on this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPbLzu83Ato
Worked out really well. It built up a lot of strength of endurance, got me used to the cold, plus it helped feed my need for revenge for that Russian guy who killed my friend.
- gerry - |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 6:21 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> my favorite are the Kegel workouts....:) |
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Nick Wass, Photographer
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Wheaton | MD | USA | Posted: 6:44 PM on 03.11.10 |
->> take classes in bosu, sport circuit, and total body conditioning, yoga or anything else at your gym( if you belong to one)
running and biking help as well
mix it up so as not to get bored
also see this web site
http://www.bodyrock.tv/
daily workouts and outstanding video work as well! |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | US | Posted: 7:03 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> Anantachai -- gross, dude. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 7:46 PM on 03.11.10 |
->> I work out my arm by yanking down when I pull espresso shots on my machine.
And all the shakes I get from too much espresso, is kind of like that old weight loss, vibrating belt thing... |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 7:47 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> I meant to say, p90x....:) |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 8:15 PM on 03.11.10 |
| ->> 70-90 miles a week running works well for me... GJ does have a point though. Maybe if I played that song while running... |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 6:41 AM on 03.12.10 |
->> The 'P409x' workout:
Grab an empty Formula 409 bottle. Fill with water. Hold with right hand, and pump sprayer repeatedly with index finger.
Two bottles a day keeps your shutter finger in top condition. The extra resistance of the pump action provides great training value. |
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Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Owings Mills | MD | USA | Posted: 11:18 AM on 03.12.10 |
| ->> I prefer the pW1ND3x workout, myself. |
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Grant Blankenship, Photographer
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Macon | GA | USA | Posted: 11:31 AM on 03.12.10 |
| ->> I do a lot of yoga, have for years. The other day I was shooting the umpteenth basketball game when I remembered something I read once about the history of yoga. At its inception, yoga was meant to enable practitioners to better meditate, which meant sitting in one place, cross legged most likely, for a very long time. Sound like any posture you assume with a camera in hand this time of year? |
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Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pittsburgh | PA | America | Posted: 1:07 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> I jump my bike as much as I can - whipping down to the shops - random errands riding down to classes and back etc. Also SS member Jared Wickerham and I both go and play indoor soccer on Wednesday nights.
-Jack |
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Rick Yeatts, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | USA | Posted: 1:45 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> For endurance try the stair master and spin classes. If you can tolerate 30 minutes at a brisk climb. Running around a football field, climbing stadium stairs and brisk jogs for end zone to end zone will be no problem. Spin classes will also keep your endurance in check.
If you have little or no experience working out with free weight you should consider working with a trainer to teach you correct form and helping you set up a routine. In the beginning you will spend a lot of time on core exercises. In my opinion one should never walk into a gym with no prior experience and start working out. You will most likely become discouraged and possibly end up with and injury. The more you go to the gym you will pick up training techniques for others and incorporate them into you workout.
Good luck |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 2:36 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> Thanks for all the input, peeps.
Much appreciated.
Now to buff up... |
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Garry Bryant, Photographer
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Farmington | Ut | USA | Posted: 2:48 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> All of you are doing great being concerned about being in shape to various degrees and staying that way. I wish I had! I had this odd habit of carrying my camera bag only on my right shoulder, left didn't hang well. This started over thirty years ago. After twenty-one years of carrying a 35 pound camera bag on my right shoulder I had a brain-stem stroke at age 39. The type of stroke the docs said was obtained in either a 90 mph head on car crash, or a pro lineman butting heads with his opponent. Since I had neither I can only think that it was my camera bag. The inner right artery that empties into the brain stem broke off and clogged the vein permanettly. I know that vests are really hated, but for me they worked great to carry gear on my torso. Fanny backs didn't work, and back packs didn't exit then. I'm now retired, but I now know that it is important to be in shape.
My recomendation is strengthen the neck, shoulders, back and knees.
To all of you the best, may you shoot long time. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 6:09 PM on 03.12.10 |
| ->> Interesting story, Garry. I remember reading a similar one from photographer/writer Steve Sint in Popular Photography (I think) several years ago - but in his case, major back surgery after the bag twisted his spine into an "S" shape. Gotta take care of the body. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 6:23 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> First rule...
Cut down on all the stuff you carry. I see all you guys walking around with tons of gear you never use.
Second rule...
Well designed back pack and/or belt system. Shoulder bag long term will get you.
Third rule...
Eat right!! Photographers seem to confuse real food with beer and chips and pizza. And then end up having to buy their belts on a reel. That extra 50 pounds around your waist will not be helped by a well fitting XXXL vest with lots of pockets.
Fourth rule...
In the gym, whatever you do, learn to do it right. Then find what you enjoy doing and keep at it, always. Build you overall strength and fitness. It is a lifestyle that will serve you well. |
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N. Scott Trimble, Photographer
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Lake Oswego | OR | USA | Posted: 6:24 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> After an elbow surgery last year for overstraining with heavy camera, tippy lightstands and picking up my gear bags with the wrong grip for so many years...and overfrisbee-ing the dog- I cannot stress enough the importance of a well flexed forearm and ankles. So when in the shower, take the time to do backhand stretches and heel lifts and stretched IN the shower. It works so much better there.
I am on a regimen now that has me doing a 40 minute, 700 calorie burn set of quick exercises like leaping lunges, bent over rows, and core engaging exercises. Its in the latest issue of Men's Health, and works very well, engages the whole body, and you don't have to do abs and aerobic afterwards because it takes care of it all, and its actually fun. |
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Eric Francis, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | United States | Posted: 8:48 PM on 03.12.10 |
| ->> core muscles.... that is everything around your waste that is the most important thing to your back health. |
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Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Orange currently | Ca | USA | Posted: 9:29 PM on 03.12.10 |
->> Simply lift the giant bags of cash you make in this industry, to keep the guns in shape.
On a serious note, SCUBA is what keeps me able to lift gear with out much effort. Do what makes works for you. I may not be able to run a mile in any decent time period but I can swim three miles much more comfortably. Fit and trim is not my current setup.
Conditioning is a factor in being a photographer. I have seen it in the field where several photographers get the shot while others are still trying to recover their breath after running the length of the football field sideline with a 400. |
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Doug Murray, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 9:59 AM on 03.13.10 |
| ->> Gym! You don't need no stinking gym! Just do what Mark Rebilas does...hand hold a 400 2.8 for everything! |
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Jacob Langston, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | | Posted: 11:30 AM on 03.13.10 |
->> Take care of your back. Do core stuff. Carry less equipment.
I am 34 and in good shape and I just had back surgery last month. (microdiscectomy and laminectomy). It is no joke. |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 1:50 AM on 03.15.10 |
| ->> while waiting for the shoot to begin, use your 300 2.8 lens for bicep curls |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 4:31 AM on 03.15.10 |
| ->> 300 2.8? 400 2.8 for working out? That's for Girly Men!! |
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David Dermer, Photographer
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Cortland | Oh | 44410 | Posted: 3:05 PM on 03.15.10 |
| ->> I go up to a local high school run a mile on the track everyday. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 12:46 AM on 03.16.10 |
->> I have a workout plan I follow (lots of bicycling, walking, stretching, martial arts on occasion).
But, the best "workout" advice I can give is to limit the risk of injury in the first place by not being dumb about the amount of weight you carry. Loading the backpack up with every lens you own, plus the lapper, is a sure way to throw out the back.
Use a roller when you can, take lighter loads, and you won't need to crank down Vitamin-I (ibuprofin), four at a time, like I had to in my younger and dumber days. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:34 AM on 03.17.10 |
->> Check the Sports Shooter Newsletter Archives ...
Run a search "Sam Mircovich" and you should find a series of articles that Sam wrote for Sports Shooter about workouts geared to the photographer.
Lots of cool information in the Newsletter Archives ... and it's searchable!
Mahalo! |
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Steve King, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Ann Arbor | MI | USA | Posted: 9:55 PM on 03.17.10 |
->> If you're in very good physical shape and can run 5K with no trouble or pain, or, you can ride a bike at 20mph for 30 minutes then you're doing fine. (Who can do that?) Even still you need to stretch.
Start with your hamstrings, that will help take the pain out of your lower back, then move to your hip flexors to balance that out, your quads will make for a good set on the lower body. For your upper body try using a door jamb to grab high to stretch your shoulders and chest, then grab at chest height for more lower chest and shoulders, and also try the "hug and twist" to hug yourself grabbing the back of your shoulders and hugging tight while twisting left and right, then switching your arms so the one that was on top is now on the bottom and repeating. To make this more effective, and intense, have the muscle that is being stretched "resist" the stretch a bit, this deepens the stretch and gives you a workout too.
This is all some laymans terms for some yoga stretches, but they work. |
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Baron Sekiya, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Hilo | HI | USA | Posted: 6:11 AM on 03.18.10 |
->> When I had a gym membership I saw tacked on the bulletin board a personal trainer that could be hired that I knew from canoe paddling that I shot all the time.
So I called him up, turned out he was happy to give me a free session since I had shot so many of his crews races and was always helpful to him. I told him what body mechanics I was concerned about and he showed me proper ways to use the weights and stuff.
I'm sure many, many of us deal with trainers all the time. It could do you well to barter some favors, maybe make some prints or email some nice photos or give photo advice in trade for some professional workout advice. |
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Drew Hallowell, Photographer
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Bryn Mawr | PA | USA | Posted: 7:56 AM on 03.18.10 |
| ->> Kettlebell workout. |
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Jamey Price, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 9:18 AM on 03.18.10 |
->> If you're in very good physical shape and can run 5K with no trouble or pain, or, you can ride a bike at 20mph for 30 minutes then you're doing fine. (Who can do that?)
I can do that. But Im just out of a college swim season so Im pretty dang fit right now.
Speaking of swimming, it is one of the best workouts you can do! Its very easy and will help your joints and muscles. Basically, swim at a pace comfortable for you for as long as you can. It may feel awkward for a while but the more you swim, the more you "get a feel for the water." The bonus is you not only build muscle and keep stress off your joints, but your lung capacity goes up and youre able to breathe better in general. So when you're huffing it around a football stadium or speedway with all that gear, you wont run out of air as quickly. Swimming is a GREAT base workout for any sport. Trust me. |
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Jeannette Merten, Photographer
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Oshkosh | WI | USA | Posted: 9:53 AM on 03.18.10 |
->> YOGA, strengthens the core, neck, shoulders, legs, just an all-around great workout. You wouldn't think, but it also is an excellent cardio workout depending on the style of yoga practice. Breathing properly is a big part of yoga. And, it is gaining popularity with guys because of the benefits. There are several guys in the classes I take. Matter of fact, I think I'm going to drop my gym membership and just do yoga.
Only been practicing yoga for 9 months and I'm amazed at how much it has helped. From one who could not even do one girlie push-up even as a teenager and can now do 8 plank style push-ups at my age. Flexibility, can't tell how much I've gained. I'll just say a lot:)
Twice a week right now, and trying to squeeze in one more practice per week with a crazy schedule. Still have much to work on, but it's headed in the right direction. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 9:59 AM on 03.18.10 |
| ->> Me I swim for distance I go a half mile no brake,no flippers or anything else. I am also working out photographers elbow no not tennis elbow, do not play it. Swimming keeps my body loose. Also I take my dog for a 1/2 hour walk a day. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 10:08 AM on 03.18.10 |
| ->> Craziest thing I've seen a photographer do is hand hold a 400 2.8 at an NFL game. It was the first pro game I ever shot, Chargers/49ers in San Diego, in 1994 I think. Guy was obviously some sort of bodybuilder or power lifter (giant guns), and hand held it (a Canon) the entire three hours. Freaky, haven't seen anybody do this since. |
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Robert Smith, Photographer
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Brandon | MS | USA | Posted: 10:20 AM on 03.18.10 |
->> I'm 52 and I started working out again in June 2009. I had worked out a lot when I was younger but had all but stopped 18 years ago. During that time, my health declined and I had a kidney transplant. Fast forward 10 years later and about 50 lbs added to my frame, I knew that I had to do something to get in better shape. But I was unsure as to how a 52 year old man was supposed to work out.
I bit the bullet and got a personal trainer. It was not cheap but I'm seeing great results. I weighed in the first session at 283lbs. 9 months later I now weigh 248lbs. I work out with him 3 days a week and walk 3 miles a day 3 other days during the week. I'm eating smarter as well.
I can honestly say it was the accountability has been the biggest factor in my transformation. |
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Michael Burns, Photographer
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California | Ca | USA | Posted: 10:57 AM on 03.18.10 |
->> Kettlebell conditioning (Drew has mentioned)
It is great! |
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Marcus Marter, Photographer
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South Bend | IN | United States | Posted: 11:27 AM on 03.18.10 |
| ->> I've been doing the p90x workout since January. Almost done with the first phase. The workouts include strength training, cardio and yoga. All of which have benefited me greatly for the type of work we as photographers do. |
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N. Scott Trimble, Photographer
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Lake Oswego | OR | USA | Posted: 12:10 PM on 03.18.10 |
->> Hi Rob, When I was at the Atlanta Paralympics, someone snatched my monopod, so I had 9 days of handholding my 400! With the heat, running around processing left and right, I lost 11lbs, and I think my right arm was an inch thicker! Probably why my rotator cuff has been so much trouble these past few years.
I won three personal training sessions for this past week with my local Chamber, and the trainer gave me some exercises that really feel good for core. Grab a pair of stretchbands, and sit on them on a bench, and do overhead arm pulls, about 100. Then do some no weight squats, 2 sets of 50, breath out in a strong gasp at the apex of both, not drawn out, it really made a difference! |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 6:06 PM on 03.18.10 |
->> Scott,
Dang, sucks. Your right bicep must have been screaming by the end of it. I can do a short stint hand holding a 400, but haven't had to test my limits yet!
-Bob
p90x seems to be a preferred workout these days. I know a lot of folks who do this, and love it. |
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Steve King, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Ann Arbor | MI | USA | Posted: 7:55 PM on 03.18.10 |
->> ->> Work out with these, 375 pound dumbbells...
->> By the way, remember to always rerack your weights :)
Ian, I'm not messing with you... but you are my hero for those shots. That 375 dumbbell is more than 2x my whole body weight, yikes! |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 1:10 PM on 03.19.10 |
->> Steve!
Thanks for the kind words!
I do "live" in a world that is a little different and that is where I do most of my photography.
But everybody is different and one thing I have learned along the way is that fitness is individual. You have to find what you enjoy doing and keep doing it. The one thing that is universal is that it is a must for everyone.
Not everyone is like my buddy Rob Carbo who is a power lifter, squatting 495 for daily workouts, and coming up on age 55...
http://blog.bodybuilding.com/SecondFocus/2010/03/19/495-pound-squats-and-55.../ |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 6:41 AM on 03.20.10 |
->> Anybody else have Basketball Hand right now?:
A sore right wrist from gripping a heavy 300/body over many games in a short time period. A monopod (when there's the room to use it) helps, but not completely.
Anybody do specific wrist/hand exercises to guard against this? It feels like tender ligaments, in addition to tired muscles. My soreness usually is gone by late April, but one of these years, I fear it might not go away. . . |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 10:15 AM on 03.20.10 |
| ->> Robert, I am sleeping in a pair of wrist braces at night and it has nearly eliminated such problems. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it has made a huge difference in the way my hands and forearms feel while I am shooting and it has dramatically reduced the recovery time after shooting. |
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