Train the Body, Strengthen the Voice
Judy Rodman
It’s morning and I’m looking at a physical training session in my schedule today. Why do I do this to myself? Partly for my voice!
My recommendation to all singers and speakers is that you do some physical activity that strengthens the body’s core muscles. Without this strength, you cannot apply enough breath support and breath control to your voice to have it work optimally.
Health, weight control, bone building, mental clarity and endorphin release makes you feel so great… all these are fabulous side effects of regular physical training. (Only a vocalist would put it that way…). I’m very busy, but the truth is that I have a physical body that my voice cannot do without.
Find a trainer who understands the special precautions needed by someone who values their voice. For instance, when exercising:
- No grabbing at the glottis (vocally straining or grunting).
- Be very careful not to strain neck and shoulder muscles; strengthening is great, but not straining.
- Be careful not to overtrain and tighten muscles with too much weight lifting.
- Concentrate on core torso strengthening and flexibility (stretching).
Judy Rodman is a singer, songwriter, producer and vocal instructor in Nashville, Tennessee. In the 1980s, she topped the country music charts with the number one single “Until I Met You” and won the Academy of Country Music’s “Top New Female Vocalist” award in 1985. Her recorded songs include LeAnn Rimes’s number-one hit “One Way Ticket (Because I Can)” (co-written with Keith Hinton). Judy has developed Power, Path & Performancea vocal technique she teaches and sells.
8 comments
Posted 07/20/10 at 8:47 am
So many “professional” singers have no support at all and as a result, they can’t stay on pitch or sing in unbroken phrases (Taylor Swift comes to mind). It makes all of the difference in the world and it doesn’t have to turn you into an opera singer. Your voice will last longer too. Vocalists, get with the program! Don’t make me suffer any further!
Posted 07/20/10 at 7:12 pm
haha… yes, support is one of the vital elements to a great vocal. And it requires body strength and stamina. It just does:)
Posted 07/22/10 at 12:44 pm
I’ve found the “wobble board” to be immensely useful. Approach with caution if you have osteoporosis or balance problems and start out with something solid to hold on to – you could fall! Use it instead of the sofa when watching TV. Google “wobble board” and you will find plenty of info.
Posted 07/22/10 at 1:22 pm
Very interesting, Stephen…thanks for the info… will check it out!
Posted 07/22/10 at 1:23 pm
Very interesting, Stephen…thanks for the info… will check it out! … here it is, btw
Posted 07/23/10 at 1:02 pm
I might add that if your back is in good shape, the wobble board can keep it that way. If you’re having back problems, though, watch out! You could be in for a lot of pain! Your muscles will tell you the next day that it’s not as “silly” as it looks. As usual, see your doctor.
I like to move a 6lb medicine ball about my body and do some squats while on the board. It’s intense!
Posted 07/28/10 at 10:25 am
The fact that singing is a physical activity is counter-intuitive, probably because we can’t see what’s going on in there (throat). Good post.
Posted 07/28/10 at 12:02 pm
Thanks Steve… yes, people don’t realize the physicality of singing. You should be using the big muscles surrounding the pelvic floor (thighs, butt, low abs, legs)… not the stressing the little muscles of the throat & vocal apparatus!
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