Before you get started, be sure to do warm-up exercises for drum set playing. Generally speaking, drum set exercises would refer to rudiments or chops but the information that is being presented to you has to do with warming up the body before any drumming.

Drumming at times can be a bit strenuous, though you will be able to play for hours when keeping the body relaxed. Without performing warm-up exercises before playing, the body can become tense and show signs of fatigue within a short while. We will explore exercises that are quick and easy encompassing the whole body from head to toe.

Breathing warm-ups

An important part of drum playing is relaxed breathing. A good warm-up, whether you are sitting or standing, is to take a slow, deep breath, filling the lungs with air. Slowly exhale. Repeat 5 times.

Head warm-ups

These exercises are great for relaxing the neck muscles. When doing head warm-ups be sure to maintain good posture and execute them slowly. This is to be emphasized for all of the other exercises as well to prevent injury.

Let us begin. In a standing position, tilt your head downwards as far as it will go (chin to the chest) then up as far as it will go (chin up high). Repeat 10 times. Next, turn your head from side to side and repeat 10 times. Last, put chin to the chest and gently roll to the left making a circle all the way to the right to where the chin is at the starting position. Repeat this process rolling to the right. Alternate 10 times.

Torso warm-ups

With hands in front of you, interlock fingers of both hands, keeping them near the chest. With elbows pointing outward, raise arms until they are level with the ground. Gently twist the torso to the left and then to the right. Repeat 10 times.

Finger warm-ups

Find a flat surface where you are able to place both hands, palms down. Spread your fingers apart and begin stretching as if you were reaching for something. Stretch to the count of 5, and then relax. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

Leg warm-ups

When doing leg warm-ups, make sure you are in a standing position and correct posture. With feet together, raise your right leg up as high as it will go (knee up to the chest) then back down. Repeat this with the left leg and alternate right and left 10 times.

Foot warm-ups

In a sitting position, raise your right foot off the floor about 10 inches. Point your toes away from you as far as you can, then point them towards you as much as you can. In a circular motion, rotate your foot to the right, then rotate to the left. Repeat this exercise 4 times. After you have completed this for the right foot, do the same for the left foot.

Start playing

By doing these warm-up exercises, you have afforded yourself to be relaxed and play for longer periods of time. You will be able to execute techniques accurately and with determination. Make
this an essential part of your drumming.

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