Exercise / Workout for Camera Ops

dasher

dasher

Well-known member
I usually do projects with sticks, but I'm currently going to be part of a 2 week camera crew that is all handheld w/ an HVX. Non-union, so my days are probably going to be over 12 hours with crappy lunches...but like always "it's for a friend".

I have until June until the projects starts. Sorry if it's a strange question but do any of you DVXers recommend any types of lifting / exercises / stretches for handheld work? Advice to help my video game playing right arm will be gratefully accepted.
 
Have been doing Scooby's beginner program and am loving it - doesnt take much time or fancy equipment and it works - not exactly buff by any means but I definitely feel a good bit stronger. Has given me alot more endurance with the Steadicam. I also add in 30 minutes a day on a balance board. Really has helped the whole core muscle thing and has improved my balance and footwork too. Oh and its fun as hell!

http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/schedbeginning.htm
http://www.indoboard.com/ - made my own out of PVC pipe and plywood - just try not to kill yourself with it. 3/4" 13 ply birch ply with stops of the same material works great for me at 160lbs. Grain should go the length of the board. 4" PVC works but I think I need to switch to 6" or so...

Toss in some Wii Tennis for fun too, oh and some disc golf too. Started all of this in January as well as some dietary changes (less fried foods, less pop, more water, more grilled food) and have tons more energy than normal.

For handheld with the HVX I would beg borrow or steal a shoulder mount of some kind, preferably with some form of counterbalancing. Makes a world of difference and helps put the weight on your shoulder and not on your arm.
 
>preferably with some form of counterbalancing

yes.

Take care not to kill your back. It's not worth it.
 
i'd be more worried about my diet if i was yous..

a clean strict diet will keep you lively and alert throughout the day, and thinking more clearly.
 
Jeff Anderson said:
Have been doing Scooby's beginner program and am loving it -
Click to expand...
He has developed his upper body too much, it looks like he's got a tiny little head :)

It was interesting what he had to say about push ups though, about doing it on your fist and not your palm. Turns out the Army has been doing it wrong all these years. Somebody should let them know. Of course, with all the reps they make you do, it wasn't my wrist that went out, it was my shoulder. Been having lots of problems with that over the last 8 years. And when one shoulder went, I ended up tearing up the other one compensating. I should probably stick to lifting weights 16ozs at a time :beer:
 
luckily i'm a vegetarian and take vitamins. No caff. Little-to-no sugar.

Thanks for all of the advice guys. Can't wait to rip my body apart for the love of the industry with all of you guys.
 
Years ago someone asked Garrett Brown about his recommended exercise regimen for steadicam ops.
His answer was "12 oz. curls" : )

cheers.
 
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