How to Train for Marching Band!

So it's that time of the year again. Birds are chirping, the breeze is nice, and band camp is approaching. You've been waiting all year for this moment, but you forgot to train. Well, don't worry, I've got you covered. By the end of this, you'll be training like a true DCI member.

Dieting: It's hard, but stick with me.

This is the part that most people (even myself) have trouble with. Everybody loves a Coke or a Monster every now and than but they aren't your friends when it comes to getting in shape for marching band. If you have one once a month it won't hurt anything, but try to stay away from them. Fast food can be easier than cooking a meal yourself, but your body is getting a lot of fat and grease which is another setback when trying to get in shape. I'll admit, I love when I get a big meal, but I try to keep them to a minimum. Keeping your portions small is going to be your lifesaver. You can snack between meals but try to keep them healthy (nuts, berries, and fruit). Last but not least, protein. You're going to want to make sure you are getting more than enough protein.

Exercise: The Key Role to Being in Shape

Every year before marching season I would do the same workouts everyday and all of them were to help something related to marching: first and foremost, stretching. How you stretch doesn't matter as long you get yourself warmed up and ready. I would start out with 25 push ups followed with two to ten pull ups (depending on your ability), and ten burpees; these will help your biceps, triceps, and pectorals, making holding an instrument easier. After that I would do a one minute plank followed by 25 sit-ups, scissor kicks, superman, and reverse superman (banana). All of these strengthen your core, helping with solid, sharp marching without bouncing. For breathing and cardio, run one mile. Lastly, try holding your instrument for the duration a a DCI performance (or the estimated length of your show), and make sure you alternate between horns up and down every 4-5 minutes, while also marking time and doing step offs every 16 counts. This will put into practice what the exercise is helping.

Conclusion

Getting ready for marching band can be a difficult task but if you put your mind to it and dedicate yourself to doing this stuff everyday, you will be ready for marching band in no time!