Camera workouts

TMY

TMY

Well-known member
Here's an interesting question: do any of you do specific exercises, strength training, or other kinds of work outs to specifically for camera control and if you do have you noticed any significant improvement in your camera work?

Do you feel keeping in shape is even important for film/video work?

I would also really like to hear from any stedi-cam ops that have had to train for extended/difficult shots.
 
I do a weight and aerobic routine, and I find that the general workout and muscle gain keeps me prepared for most shooting. I have definitely noticed a better control over handheld shots compared to before I started a regular weight training routine. Upper body stuff...shoulders and triceps seem to make a big difference, especially on the long shots.

Lower back exercises combined with some standard squat exercises will give you greater balance and control overall, but will REALLY help with Steadicam style work. A properly configured Steadicam (or Glidecam) rig shouldn't stress you too too much really (unless you wear it for hours like I do). But being in good shape will make a huge difference in how long you shoot and what sort of crazy contortions you can get yourself into for that perfect shot.

In general....yes to your questions.
 
That's really good to know that the basic exercises and weight routines can and do improve your overall camerawork. Are there any unique or usual routines or techniques that people do or have heard of people doing specifically for camerawork.

And what can you do to really smooth out your movements.
 
i started doin this in january or feb....and i really didnt think i;d need to be in any more physical shape than i was presently in (sporadic workouts). And man was i wrong...lugging my tripod and my filled Kata 205 ...(sometimes my DIY dolley and worklights sometimes) does take its toll. my Hands would cramp up sometimes from holding the camera so long and i would wonder "what the heck".

So yeh its physically demanding i find and i'm gonna start doing regular cardio via some kinda machine and or swimming, and possibly weights that involve more reps and lower weights (cuz i'm not trying to bulk up)
 
It goes back to "use it or lose it." If you don't train your muscles by using them, you will lose control of them. The more you work your overall strength, the more agility and balance you will get. This WILL have an impact on your ability to hold a camera, balance a shot, move around a crowd while shooting, etc.

Experienced ENG camera operators - regardless of whether or not they have a formal exercise routine - become very agile over years of work because of repetition. Of course, if you don't have years to wait, a good overall strength/conditioning routine will help greatly.

And unless you are using your gut to prop your elbows up on, you might as well get that weight off. Just one more piece of momentum to shift your balance unevenly when you're running around.

Again, I'd focus on your triceps and your quads. All of your muscles contribute in some way, but those two sets seem to make the biggest difference for balance/stability and endurance. Some light jogging (or elliptical, treadmill, etc) will also help with your overall endurance on a shoot or event. Google search for specific exercises that fit you and your equipment (barbells, machines, whatever ya got). And it takes a good long while to get into a routine...they say 21 days makes a habit, and I've found that to be true both ways - a month to get into a routine, but only about 3 weeks to get out of it.

Also, most people recommend a day between exercises. I sometimes obey that rule, sometimes not. The main thing is that if your muscles feel sore, you won't get good extension and you could seriously injure yourself (the body is good about sending those kinds of signals). That being said, you can alternate days for different muscle groups...upper body one day, lower body the next. Running can be done pretty much every day.

Whatever you decide to do, start slow and build to your goals. And be consistent. If you can only do 12 reps of 100 lb weights, don't start the 2nd week by doing 5 reps of 150 lb. Keep your reps even, and gradually add weight as you find the previous weight becoming easier. The worst thing you can do is burn out by trying to do too much at once. Your body and mind are going to resist any new routine like this, so while you're "breaking in" during the first weeks/month, keep it easy, and be purposeful about it - don't just think "I'll exercise whenever I get a chance" because you'll never "find" a chance. Pick a time early morning if you can, since there's less distraction at that time of day.

Stretching....I've found and heard that you should do only very light stretching of the muscles BEFORE exercise, but do a reasonably thorough stretch out AFTER your exercise. Doing it before can weaken the muscles and limit your ability to lift the weight. By doing it afterward, you keep the muscles from staying tense and locking in all that lactic acid. Also, it's not a bad idea to just stretch your muscles throughout the day, whenever you get a chance. It'll help.

Last thing....food. It's a bad idea to exercise on an empty stomach, and almost as bad of an idea on a full one. Try to eat a little cereal or something grainy 20-40 minutes before you work out in the morning. Try to spread your exercise constantly and evenly across 30-45 minutes (to start) and then eat something within 45 minutes of the end of your exercise. A banana is a great idea, helps get the muscles normalized from the work (potassium does that with the lactic acid). Lean proteins are also good, and there's no better or tastier place to find it than chicken. Protein bars and shakes and all that stuff can help, too, but they cost a lot of money and don't make a huge difference unless you're on a bodybuilder regimen.

That should do it. And no, I'm not a physical trainer or anything like that (truth be told, I've never been any kind of athlete at all....my background was music, now video, NEVER physical exercise). I just found myself in roughly your position 3 or so years ago and decided to do something about it. This is all just information that has worked for me ever since. I can tell you it takes a good while to see results, especially if you're really out of shape or have a lot of body fat (I went for months thinking "what a waste" and then one week it just started showing on me, funny how that happens). But you will feel a difference immediately. You'll feel more energized, less tired, all that stuff people always say you'll feel.

The real strange thing is how this "sit down and watch" medium that we are all producing here is a pretty big contributor to the lethargy and poor health we all have (most of us, anyway). But...hrm....let's not address that TOO much. ;)
 
jambredz said:
lolol...Nearly died when i saw that
Click to expand...



I quite literally had an instructor who had decades of industry work explain to our group that it was the only reason he kept putting off losing weight, because it was just so convenient and portable.

I think he did everything but recommend it (yet to see this brought up in a "Tips and Tricks article elsewhere, though).

:)
 
My Tips.


1) Stretch! All over.

2) 10 - 20 pound dumbell, both hands, over head, drop behind neck and raise up slowly, repeat - Will get rid of upper shoulder kinks and soreness.

3) Squat thrust for legs

4) A little basketball\raquetball never hurt

5) The night before a shoot I do not eat any greasy or fried food, then the day of the shoot, all water to drink, for meals I purchase a 6 pack of fake Slim Fast ($5.00 at WalMart) and drink one in the morning, afternooon break, etc.
This keeps me going, with very few trips to the restroom.


Good to see these tips, I think most of us could use a little less to carry around with us outside of the camera bags.
 
movielighter said:
4) A little basketball\raquetball never hurt
Click to expand...

Where would one find and play miniature basketball?


But seriously the main things I do (aside from the usual trying to stay in shape), are to really stretch out the morning (or a few hours before) a shoot, no caffeine of any kind (coffee, soda, energy drinks - I can be real fun to be around on the early shoots) the day of the shoot and I keep my sugar intake to an absolute minimum. I also make it a point to keep my demeanor and attitude low-key, it helps keep my head in that zen-like shooting mode.
 
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