425 - The Best Way To Build Stamina (Dojo Conversations Episode 95)

After a piping hiatus, it can be exhausting to play for even a short time until your stamina builds again. So what's the best way to get your piping fitness back?   This week, Andrew and Jim answer a reader question about how to build stamina after a break, focusing on the importance of finding joy and fun in playing – because enjoyable practice will naturally lead to improved stamina and skill. They also highlight the dangers of taking piping too seriously – because for many pipers, that might be why they took a hiatus in the first place...  Here's what we cover in this episode: 00:00 Embarrassing Vocal Warm-Ups 01:07 Forming Season Two's Strategy 01:57 Stamina Advice for Returning Pipers 05:37 The Fun Factor in Bagpiping 09:34 Setting Up Your Bagpipes for Success 16:15 The Hard Reed Debate 21:40 Developing Stamina for Soccer and Bagpipes 22:04 The Importance of Enjoying Your Practice 23:11 Maintaining Motivation and Avoiding Burnout 27:29 Practical Tips for Improving Stamina 30:26 The Role of Fun in Mastery 33:47 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Bagpiping 39:57 The Importance of Fun and Community in Piping 44:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections