Navigation

Get your free report - "20 Ways to Streamline Your Wellness Routine."

Your Free Report
Back

The Performer's Wellness Initiative

The Performer's Wellness Initiative is a project sponsored by X Factor Wellness, Carol Nave and Matt Trudo, owners.  Carol Nave is author of this article.

The Performer’s Wellness Initiative (PWI) has been an idea that I have been thinking about, researching, and living for the past several years. I have personally experienced the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, managing stress, and learning to be a savvy healthcare consumer. These are things you don’t learn in school (I have a DM in Organ Performance) but are essential to having a life-long career as an artist.

Performer's Wellness Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of us who play instruments understand that there is nothing quite as fulfilling as making music.  Whether collaborating with a musical team, or practicing and performing alone, we have the opportunity to create beauty that impacts our communities for good.  The passion we feel for mastering musical materials is almost addictive.  Most musicians I know couldn’t dream of doing anything else.

But, that being said, a musical life is not an easy one.  Mastering an instrument takes years of dedication, discipline, intense concentration, and sheer will.  The combination of a highly competitive environment, low pay, the loneliness of solitary practice, the stress of travel, managing performance anxiety, and dealing with public perception can all take a toll on a talented artist. 

In the past few years, a conversation about another, perhaps bigger challenge has begun to take place with performing artists.  That is the obstacle of physical pain and a healthy lifestyle. Because a performer uses their body to interface with their instrument (a singer’s body is their instrument) proper technique and ease of playing is essential to a long career. The conversation, however, extends past technique.  Healthy eating, appropriate exercise, managing stress, and preventive healthcare all play a part. 

After experiencing a long bout with ulnar neuritis, I began exploring options for recovery and rehabilitation.  I practiced flexibility exercises and corrective strength training for postural deviations that I had developed.  I experimented with various dietary changes that made a difference in my ability to focus and to maintain a healthy (not skinny) weight and better cardio vascular health.  I learned some principles of meditation and began to practice every day as a way to manage stress.  I found a teacher that helped me analyze my technique and make changes that improved my playing.

Carol at organIf you have pain or are struggling with health issues, there is hope.  I was able to find a way through my struggles with playing, performing and just maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  For the last 7 years I have been helping others work through these issues as well.  Matt Trudo and I have owned X Factor Wellness for more than seven years, and we have helped hundreds of people see results when it comes to their health.   We offer health coaching (in person or online), personal training, and public speaking.   If you think we could help you, give us a call.  We would love to hear from you.

Read more about Carol Nave and X Factor Wellness here.

PWI Sign Up Button

Call Carol at 713.443.6922 for information on health coaching or speaking at your next event.

Leave a Comment





Allowed tags: <b><i><br>Add a new comment:


Comments (1)

  1. matt:
    Aug 27, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    I am so proud of you for all the work you are doing with AGO. You are really making your mark in the performers world.

Latest X Factor post

Is your body saying you're old, but your mind isn't willing to give in? If you've ever felt discouraged by the challenges of health & fitness after 40, we've got a few tips, and a toolbox to help.

View Blog

Receive "20 Ideas to Streamline Your Wellness Routine."

Sign up for our "Weekly Wellness Tip" and get your free report "Simple Choices, Lasting Changes: 20 Ideas to Streamline Your Wellness Routine." The report gives you simple, smart ideas that can help you feel better and be more productive during your work day.

Get Your Free Report Now