6 Upper Body Stretches All Marchers Should Be Doing

This article opens a series examining upper body stretches for specific types of performing artists. The grouping of stretches presented in this article is targeted toward musicians who stand when they play and for members of the marching band. Future articles in this series will identify key upper body stretches for dancers and seated musicians.

Stretching can improve flexibility, decrease muscle tension, and promote relaxation. One of the most important things that static stretching can do for standing or marching musicians is combat the muscle imbalances that result from playing any given instrument. Repetitive motions, like those present in playing a musical instrument, can lead to certain muscles becoming overused, shortened, and tight while opposing muscles become underused (or mis-used) and lengthened. The short, tight muscles can pull the body’s joints slightly out of alignment, causing pain and microtrauma on the joint’s surfaces (which can lead to joint degeneration or overuse injuries). Stretching these muscle groups can combat the negative effects of these tightened muscles that are overpowering their counterparts.

The following list contains the six most important upper body stretches for marchers and other musicians who stand when they play. When you’re performing these stretches, remember to follow The 10 Rules of Static Stretching.

Stretching is only one component of a comprehensive injury prevention program. Other components include strengthening and balance exercises, a healthy and balanced diet, proper hydration, good sleeping habits, and common sense.