[Silver9692]

I need help with my legs, last Saturday I was playing double kick on my set just about all day along with my band, by the end my legs were killing me. The next few days I wasnt able to practice untill yesterday, now my legs are giving out like every ten minutes and feel so weak, I need help on how to get them back to how they were by SUnday.

[dtxtremeiiispecial]

Look, I'm no expert, but it sounds like an overuse injury. Do you always play your drums almost all day with no problem, or was that amount of playing in one day unusual for you?

Are you on your feet all the time when not drumming? That would make it hard for the legs to rest and relax.

My guess is that your legs need rest and relaxation. Get some for them, and then work gradually back into it.

Are your leg muscles tight? Loosen them up -- hot shower, massage, stretching, or some gentle exercise different from drumming.

The human body does get fatigued, and muscles and tendons do get overused. Listen to your legs, man, and remember that you're not a drum machine. Good luck.

[drumtech]

In addition to the great observations and suggestions that dtxtremeiiispecial gave you - once you have recovered, put yourself on an exercise regiment that specifically strengthens your ankles, calves, thighs, lower back, etc.

When I was getting ready for a tour, I would run, jump rope, increase my push-up regiment, ride a mountain bike (for wind also), swim, 12-ounce curls, etc. Some percussionist even lift weights. I am not saying to be that intense, but conditioning would go a long way in preventing over-exertion downtime.

Good Luck!

[Tainojim]

You can also soak your legs in a tub with hot water and Epsom Salts twice a day. You've got muscle spasms and muscle cramps. You pushed yourself way beyond your limits. Now you have to start building up those muscles slowly. If you have a bike with different speeds, start with the lowest speed and progress slowly to the higher speeds at a progressive rate.

Get some Tiger's Balm and rub that stuff into your legs before soaking them. This causes your muscles to recoup faster and alleviates the pain.

Along with the advice of DTX and Tech above. The next time you get behind the drums, do about 20 minutes and anytime you start to feel pain STOP. Don't push yourself and remember that your health should always comes first.

[sticktalk]

try giving yourself a couple day break and go back at it more relaxed. thats the problem i have too. i seem to tense up and my legs speed up uncontrollably.

[Silver9692]

Thanks for all the great advice guys im gonna try them out

[killer bee]

along with all the other sensible replies,did you recently make any adjustments on your seat height? Dave Weckl recommends in one of his early instructional videos that the thighs should be parrallel to the floor,however,I feel more comfortable with my thighs more toward a 45 degree angle but individual body height and leg length certainly play a part in this.The last time I experimented with seat height during an extended gig,I noticed a similar problem. Hope you can work through it , best of luck