Getting sweaty

[rth_discos]

Any tips on how to handle the load in and setup without ending up dripping in sweat by the time you start the gig?

It's only April and it's hot work... I dread to think what it will be like when we get in to the summer.

[mattydj50]

Lose weight and get fitter.

I used to puff and pant and sweat like a pig. One heart attack and minus 2 and a half stone later, I don't half notice the difference.

When the heat is on, on the odd occasion during the months we call summer, I take a change of clothes, some pongies and a towel. If a shower/wash is not an option, make the best of it as soon as you can after setting up.

[Daryll]

Lose weight and get fitter. sounds so easy...lol

I used to puff and pant and sweat like a pig. One heart attack , same here , and I still do




I set up in casual togs , and get changed just before I start , a damp flannel and deodorant works for me

Daryll

[Nakatomi]

Assuming there are no big steps or stairs to contend with, get yourself a trolley. It didn't half slash the physical workload down.

That, and what Matty said. I shifted over 3 stone a few years back, had to buy a complete new wardrobe & get my wedding ring sized down. It was hard work but what a difference it made to my lIfe!

With that said though, I still get a bit sticky rigging the boss' gear. I'm gonna need lighter speakers when I've been going a while and to get fitter.

[yourdj]

1: A smarter set up and less journeys. All my stuff goes in one and stacks on top of each other.
Not much effort involved especially as all the lighting goes us in one.

17112

2: Also being fit helps as already mentioned. You won't sweat then.
Sweating is the bodies way of getting rid of toxins, which is more often than not diet/cardio related. :)
Perhaps go to an exercise class once a week or go for long vigerous walks so you body gets used to it.


3: get a roadie and get them to do the work.

4: Buy one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1961-Press-Photo-Navy-clothing-designer-Chas-Aronica-air-conditioned-suit-/351244276632?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51c7ca5398

[Excalibur]

1: A smarter set up and less journeys. All my stuff goes in one and stacks on top of each other.
Not much effort involved especially as all the lighting goes us in one.

Hmmmm. I'm very interested in that approach, Toby. I've been pondering long and hard how well it would go into next Saturday's gig. :confused:

Access is by a very narrow set of stairs, with a quarter turn halfway up. :D

[rth_discos]

Thanks all,

I think I need to assess the setup, and how I can reduce the number of journeys.

I have a trolley, and am a little over 11 stone, so pretty fit already.

But the Equinox DJ booth with overhead lighting stand for example is two journeys alone, and is far from light!

Toby, I love your idea of one large flight case - but how much does that weigh? Lifting that in to your vehicle must take some effort??

[Benny Smyth]

Toby, I love your idea of one large flight case - but how much does that weigh? Lifting that in to your vehicle must take some effort??

Buy a ramp. I've got two large flightcases and a hand truck for my subs. Everything else gets piled on top if them and I use a ramp to go in and out of the van. :)

[lazersounds]

If you smoke, give it up...

gave up a month ago and already noticed I'm not sweating as much as before or out of breath unloading and unloading :)

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

The lighter the gear the better

The lesser the journeys the better

Bring a change of clothes, wash cloth and deodrant.

done.

[yourdj]

Toby, I love your idea of one large flight case - but how much does that weigh? Lifting that in to your vehicle must take some effort??

Vehicle is no problem, just one side at a time. Even when there are stairs its not too bad assuming there are staff to help. I tend to have someone with me when i know a venue has bad access. 95% of the time its no sweat (no pun intended) especially if it all rolls in one. It can be pushed for some distance assuming there is a reasonably even surface - don't go side ways off a dance floor as it all falls off!! holding the sub adds great stability though.

17113

[Shakermaker Promotions]

A bit of sweat doesn't hurt anybody if you've got your deodorant and a change of clothes with you.

[Shaun]

I use a Rock n Roller Cart (stock photo below of the one I use) to minimise the trips and save myself from having to work too hard. If it's a ground level venue, everything (apart from the playout system) goes on the cart. The playout system is wheeled in on the Ultimax stand it sits on throughout the night, ready to go. Quick and easy with minimum effort.
http://www.swbandproducts.com/store/images/P/R12-music%20equipment1.jpg

I also take a full change of clothes for after setup, damp cloth, deodorant and aftershave. Sorted! :beer1:

[ppentertainments]

1: A smarter set up and less journeys. All my stuff goes in one and stacks on top of each other.
Not much effort involved especially as all the lighting goes us in one.

17112



Then back for your screens ??
I've just bought a Rock'n'Roller but ever since getting it I've had upstairs venues lol.

To me the best solution was loosing weight :-)

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Forgot to mention the rock n roller. Providing the ground is even enough I cn take the full rig including liteconsole in one run :-)

Forget pa, lights, dmx etc... The best gigging investment I've ever made was that cart.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I have a issue with sweat and work be it loading in or actually DJing and after some research I discovered because of the amount of bread I have (I love carbs!) that didn't help. I cut it down and noticed I didn't have half the issue I did before.

[yourdj]

Then back for your screens ??
I've just bought a Rock'n'Roller but ever since getting it I've had upstairs venues lol.

To me the best solution was loosing weight :-)

Yes sorry forgot that. The main reason was to cut down journeys for security & set up efficiency.
Its three now actually as i frequently use a mirrorball too, but 9/10 times have an assistant so 1-2 depending how strong i feel. :)

Weight loss and cardio is key to not sweating. Even thin people sweat as they are not fit and have a poor diet.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

2: Also being fit helps as already mentioned. You won't sweat then.



You can't possibly generalise like that. Loads of people, fit or not, sweat when they are doing exercise or manual work, especially if it's hot.

I actually sweated a lot more when I was younger and thinner...

[funkymook]

You can't possibly generalise like that. Loads of people, fit or not, sweat when they are doing exercise or manual work, especially if it's hot.

I actually sweated a lot more when I was younger and thinner...

Genetics also has a lot to do with it. I know some very fit people, some sweat a lot, others don’t.


Best advice is to get to the venue early so you have plenty of time, give yourself less physical and mental stress.

[Daryll]

Best advice is to get to the venue early so you have plenty of time, give yourself less physical and mental stress.

:like:

[Benny Smyth]

You can't possibly generalise like that. Loads of people, fit or not, sweat when they are doing exercise or manual work, especially if it's hot.

:agree:

I've a friend who cycles a lot. Part of a cycling club and frequently goes on 50 mile+ rides, and he sweats when rigging and taking down. There are so many factors involved, including how much water you drink. Personally, I'd be more concerned if I didn't sweat at all. :)

But, in answer to the question, change of top and maybe some wet wipes to clean you down as much as a wet wipe can do. Add in some anti-perspirant, and job done. :)

[ckpr2]

I usually set up in sleeveless t shirt.
Shorts might help as well.

After that its down to buying light gear.
Peavey do a light weight amp that has a lightweight switch mode power supply.
At least these days a laptop is much lighter than a double record deck and thousands of vinyl records.

Take on a roadie or a trainee DJ to help.

[Andy P]

Thanks all,

I think I need to assess the setup, and how I can reduce the number of journeys.

I have a trolley, and am a little over 11 stone, so pretty fit already.

But the Equinox DJ booth with overhead lighting stand for example is two journeys alone, and is far from light!

Toby, I love your idea of one large flight case - but how much does that weigh? Lifting that in to your vehicle must take some effort??


So glad you asked this.

I'm 20 stone plus and would love to lose weight but it just doesn't happen, I'm often knackered by the time I start and seem to make around 8 trips to the car and back. I've been looking for a better loading strategy but its a one that works for stairs as there everywhere I go.

[Andy P]

I have a little wash bag, fresh wipes, deodorant and a towel. Normally have a spare top too.

[funkymook]

So glad you asked this.

I'm 20 stone plus and would love to lose weight but it just doesn't happen, I'm often knackered by the time I start and seem to make around 8 trips to the car and back. I've been looking for a better loading strategy but its a one that works for stairs as there everywhere I go.

There comes a point when you really have to consider your health, that point should be well before anything serious happens.

I didn’t!

I was lugging heavy gear, taking too many bookings and travelling too far which gave me high blood pressure and the end result of a burst artery somewhere up my nose and a 6 hour emergency operation (apparently I was very lucky that particular artery went rather than anything in my brain rupturing).

So today I have much lighter equipment, take fewer bookings and don’t do stupidly long distances, setting up and taking down are a breeze, stairs hold no fear and I’ve probably knocked a good hour off each booking.

I reckon the quickest thing you can do to take the pressure off is to get a roadie, that’ll halve your pre and post gig physical workload straight away, and if they can DJ as well you can add that as a selling point, you have a back-up in case of emergencies (you could probably add the cost of the roadie to your fee).

Then look at longer terms solutions for making the job easier.

[Andy P]

It was a big consideration for me coming into this business.

I'm classed as morbidly obese, I've been on blood pressure tablets for 10 years but have quite reasonable cholesterol levels and my main eating issues are eating the wrong time of day trying to have it all in one go. I actually eat quite well as I love to cook. My main weight gain has come due to a drop off in physical activity.

Ex army, ex sportsman, had a raft of injuries which meant I had to quit them all. These days I do archery lol but its good for back strength and posture. I really struggle to do sustained exercise as my knees and back pack in. This makes losing weight a nightmare. And I've been in and out of gyms for about 3 years now but it all ends the same.

I've kept myself to only a couple of gigs a week for this very reason, I find they are pretty local and often the hump is fine. I've kept away from heavy equipment where possible and tend to give gigs with stairs to my mate.

A roadie is a good idea and when I can find a good one and get work where one is needed that person will be getting the lifting duties. I always make sure im not rushing at gigs as that is something I hate - always like to be set up with 30 mins to spare.

[Benny Smyth]

It was a big consideration for me coming into this business.

I'm classed as morbidly obese, I've been on blood pressure tablets for 10 years but have quite reasonable cholesterol levels and my main eating issues are eating the wrong time of day trying to have it all in one go. I actually eat quite well as I love to cook. My main weight gain has come due to a drop off in physical activity.

Ex army, ex sportsman, had a raft of injuries which meant I had to quit them all. These days I do archery lol but its good for back strength and posture. I really struggle to do sustained exercise as my knees and back pack in. This makes losing weight a nightmare. And I've been in and out of gyms for about 3 years now but it all ends the same.

One word: Yoga. :thumbs_up:

Seriously.

[rth_discos]

I've been looking for a better loading strategy but its a one that works for stairs as there everywhere I go.

I've been looking at this for stairs: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAIR-CLIMBING-HAND-TROLLEY-SACK-TRUCK-FLAT-BED-BARROW-CART-WORK-ZONE-/251893791032?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aa60a3938

Not sure how much easier it makes it though.

So far have managed to avoid any upstairs gigs!

[Pe7e]

One word: Yoga. :thumbs_up:

Seriously.

Two words: Will Power

You don't breath in fat, you put in your mouth and swallow it. If you can stop yourself doing that, you will lose weight and feel much better for it. Tough but true, and I wish I could always follow my own advice at times. :o

[Andy P]

Two words: Will Powers Didn't she sing Kissing with Confidence

Joking aside this is an issue that this forum wont solve - the main issue is a lack of time to look after myself which DJing doesn't help

[yourdj]

One word: Yoga. :thumbs_up:

Seriously.

:agree:

I do Pilates and body balance which is a mix of Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi.
Not only are you in a room of hot women, but its also quite knackering without realising it.

I try and do it once a week if possible, but walks are good - just come back from the golf club which is about 2km.I don't play golf - just a place to have lunch and do some work. I must try harder as i have noticed it recently not working as much. Also i have a roadie so he lugs most the stuff about now. ;)

Its not a case of how much you eat (although that matters) but what you eat - such as deckstars bread example.
We are all different so worth seeing a dietician.

[Benny Smyth]

Not only are you in a room of hot women, but its also quite knackering without realising it.

If you don't want to go to classes, you can do it at home. There are YouTube videos of workouts, and this here (https://ddpyoga.com/) is rated quite highly. :)

[RobKennedy]

I always think that unless you manage it, being a mobile DJ can be terrible for your lifestyle

You're keen to get the the venue and get set up so its tempting to skip evening meal and as the evening goes on the kebab van or similar outlet starts to float around in your mind - which then means you are 20-30 mins later getting to bed.

Its fine when you are really young but as you get older the recovery time is longer and the demands of the family are always there at 7am the next morning.

I make sure I have some reasonably healthy food ready in the car for when I finish work - this removes the temptation of the fast-food - mostly !

Also, as I work for home I have found using a standing desk (which is just a shelf at the right height!) most of the time has really improved my health - can stand for much longer and feel much better.

Going back to the main thread, I find being organised and early works for me to avoid the dreaded set-up sweats !

[Excalibur]

Its fine when you are really young but as you get older the recovery time is longer .
Rob, I'd dearly love to disagree with that, but sadly it's true. :(:(
Now as to the definition of older............................................. ................... :whistle:


Going back to the main thread, I find being organised and early works for me to avoid the dreaded set-up sweats !

Again correct. However, that still can't prevent the scenario we're all too familiar with. You've turned up to the wedding two hours early, to find they're running an hour late. Ten minutes after you've been granted access after the room turn round, you hear the time honoured phrase which raises your blood pressure dangerously: :mad:


" Are(n't) you ready yet " ?

[yourdj]

If you don't want to go to classes, you can do it at home. There are YouTube videos of workouts, and this here (https://ddpyoga.com/) is rated quite highly. :)

Good point its not a very popular thing for men.
I am terrible at motivation at home, so have to go to classes.

The upside is they are 99% women and 9.5/10 times just me. ;)
Not that i ever have time to look mind you. :)

Fit steps is the best as its quite hard (the class!).

[mattydj50]

Rob, I'd dearly love to disagree with that, but sadly it's true. :(:(
Now as to the definition of older............................................. ................... :whistle:




The definition is that "you are older than me".