Breathing and Binding
Tips for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming musicians
Tips for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming musicians
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you are experiencing pain or trouble breathing. These are just things that were helpful to me.
Binding can be affirming to many trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. It is important to do so safely. Binding can lead to pain and breathing problems which may interfere with your ability to play saxophone. These are some tips on safe binding and self-care that I have found helpful.
Don’t bind for more than 8 hours
Binding for an extended period of time can cause pain and breathing problems. It’s best to bind for less than 8 hours a day. You should never bind while sleeping and if you can, you should take a day off from binding every week.
Take breaks
It’s important for everyone to take breaks while practicing. Take a few minutes during your practice session to move around, stretch, and hydrate.
Don’t use ace bandages or duct tape
Don’t bind with anything that is too tight or will restrict your ability to move properly. Your binder should never be so tight that you feel like you cannot breathe. Don't wear a binder that is the wrong size or too small.
Practice without out if possible, or go up a size
Breathing is really important when playing an instrument. Binding makes movement and breathing more difficult. Your binder should never be so tight that you cannot take a full breathe. If you’re comfortable, try practicing without your binder on so that your breathing is not restricted.
If it hurts, stop!
You should be able to take a full deep breath. Binding shouldn't cause you pain or trouble breathing. If you experience redness, bleeding, difficulty breathing, cracking, or pain, take a break from binding.
Stay hydrated
It is easier to overheat when binding. Make sure that you stay well hydrated. Don’t forget to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep and take care of your mental health.
Practice with good posture
Good posture is important for all musicians. Don't be tempted to slouch or sit incorrectly.
Practice breathing exercises
Consider doing breathing exercises throughout the day. Make sure that you can take a deep breath with and without a binder on.
Stretch before and after practicing
Stretching is really important to prevent injury. You should stretch before and after practicing. Pick two or three of these stretches and incorporate them into your practice.
Don’t bind for more than 8 hours
Binding for an extended period of time can cause pain and breathing problems. It’s best to bind for less than 8 hours a day. You should never bind while sleeping and if you can, you should take a day off from binding every week.
Take breaks
It’s important for everyone to take breaks while practicing. Take a few minutes during your practice session to move around, stretch, and hydrate.
Don’t use ace bandages or duct tape
Don’t bind with anything that is too tight or will restrict your ability to move properly. Your binder should never be so tight that you feel like you cannot breathe. Don't wear a binder that is the wrong size or too small.
Practice without out if possible, or go up a size
Breathing is really important when playing an instrument. Binding makes movement and breathing more difficult. Your binder should never be so tight that you cannot take a full breathe. If you’re comfortable, try practicing without your binder on so that your breathing is not restricted.
If it hurts, stop!
You should be able to take a full deep breath. Binding shouldn't cause you pain or trouble breathing. If you experience redness, bleeding, difficulty breathing, cracking, or pain, take a break from binding.
Stay hydrated
It is easier to overheat when binding. Make sure that you stay well hydrated. Don’t forget to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep and take care of your mental health.
Practice with good posture
Good posture is important for all musicians. Don't be tempted to slouch or sit incorrectly.
Practice breathing exercises
Consider doing breathing exercises throughout the day. Make sure that you can take a deep breath with and without a binder on.
Stretch before and after practicing
Stretching is really important to prevent injury. You should stretch before and after practicing. Pick two or three of these stretches and incorporate them into your practice.
Let me know if you have any other exercises, stretches, or other resources that were helpful to you.
Check out these other resources if you’d like to learn more!
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding/
https://www.folxhealth.com/library/how-to-bind-your-chest-tips-tricks-and-safety-while-bindin
Check out these other resources if you’d like to learn more!
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding/
https://www.folxhealth.com/library/how-to-bind-your-chest-tips-tricks-and-safety-while-bindin