Is whistling making you fat, too?

Zoe · Post by **Zoe** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:30 am

Just a silly note as spring approaches and visions of the beach and bathing suits are looming. Now would be the time to devote myself to more exercise after a lethargic winter. But I, like most of us, have a family, a social life, a job, and have very little spare time. I'm lucky if I get an hour a day for myself. After a year and a half, I still love the whistle enough that it takes precedence over exercise. So I have resolved that this summer I will have more cellulite to show, but I will be playing a damn fine "pipe on the hob"!

However, it's probably the case that cardiovascular exercise would improve one's whistling, as your lungs would have greater capacity and strength. Have any of you found that exercise improves your playing?

Zoe

BrassBlower · Post by **BrassBlower** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:29 am

I'm not sure if that's how it works at all. If you've ever seen that picture of NancyF and myself together, you will notice that I'm over twice her size, but she can still play circles around me.

That having been said, I think aerobic exercise does improve my lung capacity, and thereby my whistling ability, but it doesn't do diddly-squat to my weight.

Jason Paul · Post by **Jason Paul** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:54 am

I can't believe you didn't realize that the answer is right in front of your face.

Put on a leotard of your favorite color, grab your whistle, and skip up and down your street as you play your whistle.

Problem solved.

Hope that helps.

Jason

dfernandez77 · Post by **dfernandez77** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:18 pm

Do you have photos Jason? Or streaming video we can see?

I don't know that I would try it without a proper demonstration.

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:22 pm

Anything that builds stamina, coordination, or endurance will help in playing the whistle (or just about any other instrument).

That said, whistle really does take very little air. My problem on whistle is usually what to do with the excess rather than trying to sneak a place to breathe.

Flute takes more air and consequently more thinking ahead in the tune.

--James

Unseen122 · Post by **Unseen122** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:58 pm

Actually, quite the opposite. I am playing Whistle (or Flute) instead of sitting in front of the TV and eating.

Jennie · Post by **Jennie** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:20 pm

It's true that eating definitely diminishes the quality of my whistle playing, at least when done simultaneously.

And since I've taken up flute, I notice that it's really hard to get a good lungful if I've just ingested a hearty meal. So I'd say that at least my music keeps me from copious overeating or continuous snacking.

But yes, I do exercise too. It would be a tough choice to give up my music time for exercise, or my exercise time for music. Maybe you can just jog to the sessions?

Jennie

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:42 am

Zoe wrote:Just a silly note as spring approaches and visions of the beach and bathing suits are looming. Now would be the time to devote myself to more exercise after a lethargic winter. But I, like most of us, have a family, a social life, a job, and have very little spare time. I'm lucky if I get an hour a day for myself. After a year and a half, I still love the whistle enough that it takes precedence over exercise. So I have resolved that this summer I will have more cellulite to show, but I will be playing a damn fine "pipe on the hob"!

However, it's probably the case that cardiovascular exercise would improve one's whistling, as your lungs would have greater capacity and strength. Have any of you found that exercise improves your playing?

Zoe

Or you can do like I did , find a neighbor who loves the whistle too, join each other for early AM Yoga and TaiChi and do some whistling too.

Bretton · Post by **Bretton** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:01 am

My favorite solution to this (which I don't get a chance to do very often) is to go on a long hike to some nice (secluded) location and then play my whistle/flute for a period of time before hiking back.

-Brett

Jennie · Post by **Jennie** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:30 pm

Bretton wrote:My favorite solution to this (which I don't get a chance to do very often) is to go on a long hike to some nice (secluded) location and then play my whistle/flute for a period of time before hiking back.

-Brett

This is my favorite too. And I'm lucky enough that the hike can be short, since I already have the nice secluded location at my doorstep. I just have to wait for the weather to warm up!

Jennie

Jetpiper · Post by **Jetpiper** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:10 pm

I used to play the flute for the song service at my church. This was the first time I played the flute in any other setting than just practicing at home. At first, it was quite a struggle to keep from passing out, and to keep on playing! However, after keeping at it, I soon had no problem playing through the entire service without much effort. So, I guess the best way to build stamina for any instrument, is to play that instrument in a setting that demands more from you than you are accustomed to.

I will also concur with the statement that trying to play after consuming vast quantities of anything is problematic at best.

boomerang · Post by **boomerang** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:37 pm

I agree totally with you jetpiper
one never knows what what is able to be achieved until such time as we are pushed to challenge our limits, our limits are set by our desire.
I constantly remind my kids
the is no such thing as I cannot.
there is only i can if i try harder.
its all a matter of determination
regards
David

mutepointe · Post by **mutepointe** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:21 pm

no. i find it dang near impossible to eat while playing. that's one of the reasons i picked up the whistle and some other wind instruments.

River Otter · Post by **River Otter** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:43 pm

I only play low-cal and fat-free tinwhistles. Gotta watch my figure.

Chiff and Fipple Forums

Is whistling making you fat, too?

Is whistling making you fat, too?

Re: Is whistling making you fat, too?