PARENT MUSIC FESTIVAL TRAINING PROGRAM – Part 1 of 3

Ecstatic, after buying 2 tickets to Wango Tango music festival for my daughter and I (for her birthday); Sentimental, having attended the same festival 17 years ago but now passing the torch; Thrilled, as every single artist tops our list of faves; Panicked, as mosh-pit concerns blind-sided me; Relieved, upon viewing my assigned seats; and Driven… I began training!

Don’t laugh, just follow along:

Couch to Music Festival: Parents Training Guide

• SET CLEAR GOALS: We have 5 weeks to train for:
  • DANCING OUR ASSES OFF for at least 4 ½ hours straight
  • CLAPPING THUNDEROUSLY for every encore
  • YELLING for each amazing artist loud enough so they respond “I love you too!
    …all with minimal bathroom/snack breaks

• START SMALL/BUILD SLOWLY:  With one step, we’ll begin and celebrate our high notes!
  • TRAINING PLAN – Start with one step, increase by 10 min. a day. Just focus on the build, not the full distance!
  • FESTIVAL LENGTH – We chose a 1-day festival but this training may be adapted for weekend or 3-day concerts as well – just allow more time to train.
  • Advanced: Build from previous concert experience of 2-3 hours

https://youtu.be/fK_zwl-lnmc

• ENDURANCE TRAINING: To avoid dancing muscle fatigue:
  • SHAKE IT – Grab ear buds, start dancing everywhere! In your living room, while doing dishes or brushing teeth!
    Advanced: Make your kids teach you dance moves – fun(ny) for all!
  • CROSS-TRAIN! – Swimming and cycling build endurance but for a simple weight-bearing exercise – walk or jog!

• STRENGTH TRAINING: To avoid jello arms and legs that may inhibit your ability to drive home:
  • SQUATS – Strengthen the quads and glutes to jump up for each new act with renewed vigor. Bonus, they help your core!.
    Advanced: Hold a squat position with slight bounce to Whip the crowd into a frenzy!
  • ARMS/BACK – Push ups, bench presses, and curls strengthen and amplify clapping.
    Advanced:  Shoulder and upper back strengthening ensures your clapping remains fanatically “Above-the-head” and your Nae Nae won’t look like a no no.
  • CALVES – Calf presses lift yourself above the screaming crowd to lock eyes with your favorite artist. No need to add more than your body weight – unless someone will be seated on your shoulders.

Coming tomorrow in Part 2 of 3: Voice Conditioning, Avoiding Injuries, Know Before You Go