Thinking outside the box

[e2c]

James' original weights link comes from Andrej's blog (the djembe would call it.blogspot.com)

here's his final comment on the post (bolding mine):

October 10, 2010 11:58 AM
Andrej said...
Hi. No, actually no, I didn't get some good results out of it. The problem is that this kind of bracelets are not totally fixed and when you play fast it starts hurting a bit. It might depend on the product, tho. Also, you really need a bullet-proof mindset to be able to play for hours and hours in the basement with this things on your hands:)

And in the end, I guess James is right - it develops more power than speed.

After years of trying to find out how to increase speed, I found that the best way is just playing accompaniment at dance classes. Something like the a fast Kuku (TT.STTS.) for 30 minutes is better than going to the gym for one week:)

[bubudi]

there is a difference between bulking up and doing the action (playing djembe for example) with the addition of some extra resistance (as many athletes do). this is a form of power training, different from bulking up, and also different from straight aerobic training. but you must be in reasonable condition to begin with and do it in bursts of several minutes, not for a full drumming session! a strong, fit person should be able to handle the gradually added weight for these short spaced intervals without injury as long as they don't get to the point of fatigue or loss of form. let good form prevail, it will save you from injury, whether you use weights or not.

[e2c]

it depends on the person's build - and gender, too.

And sorry, like I've already said, wrist cuffs are just asking for trouble - ligament tears and such, as well as sprains, nerve entrapment, even chipping of bones. PTs see the results, and the picture isn't pretty.

People are individuals, and not everyone has the same capacities. Yes, this kind of thing might work for a few people who can get away with it without injuring themselves, but the odds on that aren't good.

[the kid]

James said "Have you tried any crazy stuff in your pursuit of improved playing?""

who's sacrificed a chicken to please the jembe god

tell the truth now Kevin...