Learning pottery? These exercises can help
What's the story
Pottery wheel throwing is a surprisingly demanding activity for the arms. For passionate potters aiming to master their craft, building arm strength can translate to improved control and the ability to create more complex designs. This article details five exercises specifically selected to strengthen the muscles utilized in pottery wheel throwing. So that, you, the potter can work with increased endurance and precision.
Foundation
Push-ups for pottery precision
Push-ups, a core exercise, greatly strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps. These muscles are crucial for maintaining control over the pottery wheel. By incorporating push-ups into your exercise routine three times a week, you can significantly improve your upper body strength. This increase in strength translates to improved endurance during long pottery sessions, enabling more precise and controlled pottery creation.
Grip strength
Dumbbell wrist curls for better control
Dumbbell wrist curls strengthen your forearms and enhance your grip strength, which is crucial for exerting control over the clay. Begin with lighter weights and progressively increase the weight as your strength improves. Doing two sets of 10 repetitions with each arm twice a week will result in a significant improvement in your clay manipulation.
Stability
Tricep dips for enhanced endurance
Tricep dips are a great exercise for potters. They strengthen the triceps, engage the core and shoulders, and help provide a stable base when you're working at the wheel. Use a sturdy chair or bench, and aim for three sets of eight reps twice a week. This exercise will build endurance in your arms, helping you throw larger pieces without getting tired.
Power buildup
Bicep curls for increased throwing power
Bicep curls directly strengthen the muscles used to lift and center heavy clay on the wheel. Strong biceps are essential for potters who want to work with larger amounts of clay or throw taller pieces. By adding bicep curls to your workout routine twice a week, aiming for three sets of 10 repetitions with each arm, you can significantly increase your throwing power.
Balance and control
Shoulder presses for overall upper body strength
Shoulder presses are great for building overall upper body strength, crucial for maintaining balance and control while throwing on the pottery wheel. Strong shoulders enable you to lift and manipulate clay with ease and for extended periods of time. Doing two sets of 12 reps twice a week will guarantee that your shoulders are ready for long pottery sessions without strain.