Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487667
68 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Winter 2023 hour as possible. My space is a little small but we make do. The session is challenging, requiring a great deal of concentration to maintain correct shoulder position throughout the tiring routine. And that is the point. As we become more fatigued, maintaining proper form (form that prevents injury) becomes increasingly difficult. I continue the sessions with Luke's expert tutelage once a week throughout the summer, sometimes in my office and other times from home very early in the morning before anyone else is out of bed. As I get stronger and more adept, Luke adds exercises and increases the difficulty. Everything is interconnected and needs to be kept in balance. So some days, we concentrate on abdominal work and lower body exercises. A weakness or injury in one part of the body can lead to overcompensation injuries and other problems elsewhere. On days in-between sessions, I incorporate many of the exercises into my daily routine and stay mindful not to over train some parts of my body to the detriment of others focusing on what I am doing and why. After each workout, I do my best to take notes but, my emphasis is on the doing not the note taking. How do I measure success or progress? There is a device called a goniometer that is used for measuring the range of joints but it can be quite subjective when measuring range of motion. So, we measure improvement by eyeball and feel. On some weeks, I seem to make significant progress while on others, I seem to remain the same or even regress. I don't let this get me down because I know that progress is not linear. Instead of week to week, it is better to measure in longer time periods such as six months. Some temporary regression is natural and just part of the process. Two steps forward, one step back. After working with Luke throughout the summer, we both become too busy to find time for our weekly meet-ups but I continue to incorporate what I've learned into my workouts. After six months, I can see improvements in my posture. I am definitely stronger through my upper back and I believe my pain has decreased. I have always trained on my own but now understand how working with a personal trainer like Luke Kelly has been quite useful in assessing my strengths, weaknesses, and needs while keeping me on track and improving the efficiency of my workouts. While we don't currently meet weekly, I do plan on checking in with Luke regularly to get an assessment. The bad news for Boom Operators is that there is no magic pill. The difficult work required to stay healthy will never end. We will need to maintain a certain level of fitness and body awareness throughout our careers. Once the pain is gone or minimized, what's next? It's time to set new goals. Maybe get back to some activities you enjoyed in the past but haven't felt able to do recently or something new. As for me, I'm looking forward to training for a triathlon and more! To summarize: Exercise, movements, and stretching can be extremely beneficial but are only part of the equation. Making your production aware of the Guidelines for Long or Successive Takes Safety Bulletin and requesting options such as Fisher booms and exoskeletons or extra crew members when necessary, will help you stay safe, healthy, extend your career, and defy gravity. Graphic by Bruce Blaus