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 Power Lungs!
Author: Neal Raskin 
Date:   2007-07-04 05:24

In recent weeks I have been contemplating purchasing a Power Lung. Its a device that strengthens your "breathing" muscles. Here is a link for you to learn more:
http://www.powerlung.com/us/en/

My question is for someone who owns one or knows someone who does. I feel like my lung capacity is pretty sufficient for the clarinet. However, I also feel like I could get more out of my lungs.

Does anyone have any "home made" devices that work similarly to the Power Lung?

Thanks for any input,
Neal

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: C2thew 
Date:   2007-07-04 05:50

Tie a parachute to your back and jog around the track. that would definitely increase your lung capacity. they have those running parachutes that pro athletes use.

Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: C2thew 
Date:   2007-07-04 05:52

actually that looks like a pretty neat product.

Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: bmcgar 2017
Date:   2007-07-04 07:44


Why do you think you need to increase your lung capacity? What do you expect to accomplish?

If you're already grown and your lungs are healthy, they aren't going to be able to pull in more air than they do already; this thing isn't going to enlarge them.

And why try to strengthen your diaphragm muscles (which are what creates negative pressure and opens your lungs to pull in air)? Do you want to be able to inhale heavy air, if you ever find any?

Are you talking about more efficient oxygen uptake into your blood and muscle?

I don't mean to be dismissive and flip, but I think you're making some assumptions about the human respiratory system that just aren't true.

I'm not a doctor, but I think I can safely say that only thing that contraption is going to do is to positively reinforce you for breathing deeply, and you can do that by just practicing on your own and breathing from your belly instead of your chest.

<ducking for cover>

B.

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: skygardener 
Date:   2007-07-04 11:16





Post Edited (2007-07-06 16:36)

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2007-07-04 11:34

A colleague just told me that a previous instructor of his had him lean back against a wall, legs bent (almost a seated position) so that the wall was his only support. Then he played the last mvt of the Weber 2nd in this position while his instructor pushed rather forcibly upon his stomach. After this trial my colleague said he never realized just how much air he had (also helps projection).

The downside is you need a wall and a buddy.


............Paul Aviles



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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2007-07-04 15:24

Depending on the model, the Power Lung costs from $65 to $100.

A couple of plastic coffee stirrers cost approximately zero. If you want to be fancy, a piece of PVC pipe and a cork with a hole drilled in it go for a couple of dollars.

And, of course, starting a practice session on long tones works better than any of them.

The Power Lung is snake oil. Save your money.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Don Berger 
Date:   2007-07-04 16:35

Didn't we just have a thread-posts re: breathing, [GBK?] in which I mentioned the inhalator, Voldyne 5000 [hospital provided], which, after my bypass surgury, did wonders for clearing/excercising my lungs. Other inhalators were also mentioned. I walk up and down stairs in our retirement "community", breathing hard, so have no trouble playing my Bass cl's chalameau, except for running out of good-ole O2, for head clarity etc, while playing cello/string bass lengthy "holds". Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: SVClarinet09 
Date:   2007-07-04 19:56

I use the PVC pipe as Ken suggested. I use the little connector (I don't know the proper terminology, it looks sorta like an inhaler) and I breathe through it alot. It really helps.



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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: xxColorMeJoshxx 
Date:   2007-07-04 23:03

The Breath Builder is only $20 - thats what I use, but I have heard that the Power Lungs are good (I believe Yehuda is an endorser).



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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Chalumeau Joe 
Date:   2007-07-04 23:38

I also use the Breath Builder and believe it's helped..my breathing is much deeper and fuller. I got mine from WWBW for less than $15.

Joe

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Alseg 
Date:   2007-07-05 00:28

On the classified board is an item called EOLOS.
A lung trainer of some sort.
Does anyone know how it differs from the incentive spirometers and exhalational chambers that are used post op in hospitals.*

Easy and cheap Segal method: What about trying to blow up a balloon with one breath? Gives deep inhalation, resistant exhalation, adjustment to CO2, and the feedback of seeing something happen.

There is a pharmacological agent that shifts the hemaglobin binding oxy-dissociation curve via 2,6 DPG, but let's not get messy here.

*I used to prescribe these when I was a surgeon. The hospital charge to the patient was about ten bucks.


Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-





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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: C2thew 
Date:   2007-07-05 18:35

i like that idea about having a friend push on your stomach against a wall. cheap, effective, and easy.

Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: JJAlbrecht 
Date:   2007-07-05 19:49

"There is a pharmacological agent that shifts the hemaglobin binding oxy-dissociation curve via 2,6 DPG, but let's not get messy here.

*I used to prescribe these when I was a surgeon. The hospital charge to the patient was about ten bucks."


I can just see it now, Alseg..."Blood doping scandal hits pro clarinet world! Film at 11!" [whoa]

Jeff

“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010

"A drummer is a musician's best friend."


Post Edited (2007-07-05 19:50)

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Kruzi 
Date:   2007-07-05 20:25

My suggestion on how to develop power lungs is rowing, archery, playing a
wind instrument and having good sex, all on a regular basis of course:-)


Greetings,
Kruzi

Take what you`ve got and make the best of it!


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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: skygardener 
Date:   2007-07-09 04:27

Does anyone know what's inside this thing? Is it just a tube?
What do the adjustors adjust?

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: skygardener 
Date:   2007-07-09 07:12

Anyone else try blowing toilet paper against the wall?

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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2007-07-09 13:54

Dear Skygardener,

I believe what you refer to is a technique outlined by Leon Russianoff in which he takes a four inch square piece of notebook paper and has a student hold it against a smooth, flat wall with his/her breath (the longer the better). This technique is really geared more towards how one is supposed to FOCUS the airstream rather than develop abdominal force, but this is also a great way to improve sound. Gets rid of that nasty mistaken notion of "open throat" forever.


..............Paul Aviles



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 Re: Power Lungs!
Author: scott kurtzweil 
Date:   2007-07-10 17:00

I've been using the Powerlung for about a year and a half. For me, the pay off of using this product comes not so much in greater lung capacity but in greater flexibility and a better sense of support.

Scott Kurtzweil

Scott Kurtzweil
Kurtzweil Musical LLC
www.kurtzweilmusical.com
269-340-9013
scott@kurtzweilmusical.com





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