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!

Mom, You Rock from afavoritedesign

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

Are they Over-Excited or Under-Trained? WTF: Wango Tango Fangirls

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

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.