10 replies to this topic

[sxd.lil.shxt]

sorry if this sounds like a silly question and a bit off topic, but...
i'm in high school band, and i play a clarinet. and recently, i've noticed it's getting harder to play. i have to take way more breaths in between than usual, and even then it's taking way too much effort to use the amount of air i need to make a full sound. i'm beginning to suspect it's due to my not eating alot, but i just wanted to ask. do any of you think it could be this? also if anyone else also happens to play a wind instrument, did you start having difficulty playing?

[AntiqueHighHeelRedDollShoe]

Yeah, I think so. I'm a vocalist as opposed to a wind instrumentalist, but I've noticed that general weakness and fatigue from restriction definitely affect my ability to project vocally, and stay on key. My tone isn't as good, either. It's like trying to sing when I'm really tired, but all the time. <3 

[envyadams]

Possibly. I play the flute, and while I never really had an issue with it, it's different for everyone.

[petrov]

I've been meaning to make a post about this forever lol. I'm a brass player and I definitely feel this. Shortness of breath is one of my most noticeable side effects when restricting, and it also makes me lose motivation to practice. There isn't much research on this, but I did find some studies that showed weakening lungs can be a symptom of anorexia. It's possible you're also exercising less if you're restricting, so you may just be in worse shape in general.

[ThatCookieGirl]

I play flute, and I've noticed that it's harder to play on lower restriction days, but that's probably due to fatigue.

[sacrosanctmoth]

Third flautist here! I think it could be the restriction. I had this sometimes but not very often. Nowadays I feel faint more easily so those days are harder for playing.

[KingOfClowns]

I’ve been singing for a while, and playing guitar/uke for a few years. Both immediately suffered from my restriction.
My hands became far more weak and lost much of their resistance to the strings. An hour of playing will leave painful marks for a day or so, but I don’t think I’ve lost any dexterity.
As far as breath, I really try hard. My Kung Fu days taught me a bit about breathe and exercise but even with technique I just don’t have the inhale-power to keep up with forceful singing as the strain ruins my tone at the end of any given note. I haven’t passed out yet but I think I could if I pushed it.

In short: Yeah, but it’s to be expected. Could it also be a motivation thing?

[NewStart101]

Yes, I’m a singer and a few voice teachers have said before that diet will most definitely affect the vocal quality. In terms of not eating, this will change the stomach acids and hydration of the throat. And breath wise, I think it’s to do with your body prioritising blood circulation and deep breathing. It sucks because eating certain things can mess this up too. Just make sure you’re hydrated I guess...

[nobodyatall]

yes, i think its hurting my technique too. i used to play the guitar, but my arms started to get really tired and sore from fretting and strumming even for just a few minutes. my fingers also get really cold and i cant get enough pressure on the strings now

[YukisYuuki]

Yes definitely
My brain can't keep up with memorizing sheet music and fast fingerings anymore (violin btw lol)

[kkonminambishonen]

for me (i play flute) it was more of like a focus thing, and i couldn't concentrate on my music like at all