posture alternative

[p_dmusic]

Just wanted to share some a product with other guitarist or really anyone who sits to practice their instrument. There was a point i was practicing 4-5hr a day, I was really determined to improve my playing, but those hours were literally killing my legs and back. A year later of doing that my playing has improved but my back and legs got worse. I looked into the guitar chair, different padding chairs, drum thrones and pretty much tried everything. And of the course the answer is was always in front of me, taking breaks helped with my leg problems, sometimes I forget about my body awareness and somehow my legs dig into the ground and lock up. Taking a break every now and then has help, but there is another thing that has greatly helped and it a small posture support that is called back joy. You can google back joy but what it is- a pad that you sit on. You can put it in any chair that you currently practice with. I've used this in three different chairs and it really does take some relief off the back and helps correct my sitting. A family member let me borrow one and it is very helpful! and most of all it is a somewhat cheaper alternative to buying a whole new chair just to practice CG. It is also portable enough to carry around and use in your car, office chair etc. I love it for practicing and I will soon get one for my studio so that it may help my students with their posture. Just wanted to pass this on.

[Shanimal]

Thanks for offering that practical alternative. Another affordable and effective alternative that I have found useful for loosening up leg muscles (you mentioned the subconscious leg-tension during long playing/practicing sessions) is a leg roller -- a simple cylinder (about 30in tall and 4inches wide) that is offered at most sports stores. Many gyms & physical training facilities also use them. You lay down on your side and roll back and forth with your bodyweight distributed on one elbow and the cylinder under your leg. I found one on sale for $15 and I was amazed at how much softer and tenderized my leg muscles have become after using for a few days in a row. A great way to relieve leg tension without the cost of a massage therapist.

[Supperconductor]

I just ordered a back joy for my wife. She's a film editor and works way too many hours seated at a workstation. I'll try it out myself too and report back.

[p_dmusic]

I honestly cannot sit in any chair without one. I will check into that leg roller I cannot seem to picture it.

[robin loops]

I use a memory foam cushion that has made a world of difference but I think I'll order one of these ASAP! Thanks for the tip.

[Nuclearfishin]

I just ordered one also. I let you know how it works!

[Supperconductor]

The back joy has worked out really well for my wife. I'm going to try it for a few practice sessions.

[p_dmusic]

Good to hear that it is working well for your wife supperconductor. How has the back joy worked for you?

[Supperconductor]

Very, very well. I have a chair that is a good height for me but rarely practice on it because the hard seat becomes painful quickly. With the back joy, I can practice comfortably. I find the back joy works best on non-cushioned seats.