A Healthy Body Means a Healthy Voice

If you are really committed to having a career as a singer and performer it will be greatly enhanced by how healthy and fit you are. Being a great singer requires huge amounts of energy physically, mentally, and neurally. Each of these aspects individually will take their toll, however combine ALL three and you’ve got yourself a challenge. A 2 hour vocal performance with physical actions such as dancing or running from one side of the stage to the other takes energy…lots of it.

N.B. I am not qualified to offer medical advice. If you are planning to embark on any new health regime you would be wise to seek consultation with an expert in that area.

Some of the things that I have discovered that have had a significant effect on my singing follow;

1. You need to be doing some type of cardio vascular activity that improves your breathing and fitness. I have found that walking, jogging, cycling , swimming (improves lung capacity, endurance and muscle strength) pilates, and yoga can be incredibly affective.
2. Weight lifting and resistance exercises can be effective to improve your capacity to remain upright on your feet for lengthy periods of time. If you play an instrument especially guitar you are carrying extra weight and need strong back and shoulder muscles. As a pianist, having my arms extended for lengthy periods of time whilst sitting requires a good core and posture. A word of caution with weightlifting. Just be mindful of your larynx if you tend to lift really heaving and ‘grunt ‘as too much of this can strain your voice.
3. Make sensible choices regarding foods that weigh you down energy wise. Don’t eat a big meal prior to performance. Too much sugar can create havoc with the voice ( and your health) as it increases mucus and is hard to break down. I have mentioned in other posts that I removed carbonated drinks (sodas) from my diet and noticed a significant difference immediately in particular my speaking voice.

The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness.

Arthur Schopenhauer

Maintaining overall physical well-being through proper nutrition, hydration, regular exercise, and adequate rest can significantly impact vocal performance. A healthy body supports optimal lung function, muscle control, and stamina, all of which are essential for producing a clear and strong voice. Additionally, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can further enhance vocal health. Prioritising physical health is crucial for anyone who relies on their voice, whether for speaking, singing, or other forms of vocal expression..