Hi All,  Echoing Bob Bakers comments in yesterdays MMD, I know from
first hand evidence and experience that cardiovascular surgeons highly
recommend pumping a player piano as a means of exercise.  In one
instance I was asked _not_ to improve the air-tightness of a unit
because it would be too easy to pump.  The owner weighed over 300
pounds and she could not ride a bicycle, which at that time was
the preferred method of exercise.

When she explained to the doctor about her player piano, he recommended
that she "pump off" at least five rolls a day.  She lost over 70 pounds
in one year!  (The unit was quite 'leaky'. :-)  Also, this was one
instance where I showed the customer "how not to pump a player piano."

As many owners know, the correct way to pump a player piano is with
your ankles, not your legs.  By moving closer to the piano, one is
forced to pump with their legs because of the angle of attack.  This
exercises both legs and the buttocks.

I too hope that the medical community will someday recognize the value
of a foot pumped player piano as an exercise machine.  For sure, the
all-time favorite player would be the modern Aeolian line of player
pianos.  Even in excellent condition, they are without a doubt the
hardest players to pump because of the valve blocks that Aeolian
produced.  (More about Aeolian block valves later...)

Musically,

John A. Tuttle