How to Prepare Your Body for Singing

You must be poised, relaxed and in a receptive state of mind before you begin to sing. Here are some physical exercises to help you get rid of tension in your body.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music Stands
• Pianos
• Sheet Music

Exercise 3

1. Draw your left hand into a tight ball and hold it for the count of 5.

2. Relax your hand.

3. Perform the exercise five times.

4. Repeat the exercise with your right hand.

5. Finally, repeat the exercise with both hands together five times.

Exercise 1

6. Keep your legs straight, gently bend forward, and allow your arms and upper torso to drop toward the floor.

7. Relax. Let your arms dangle loosely and swing them back and forth through your legs to the count of 5.

8. Straighten your body until you are standing upright.

9. Bring your arms up and stretch toward the ceiling.

10. Hold the stretch for a moment, then relax back into a standing position.

11. Lower your arms slowly to the sides of your body.

12. Repeat the exercise three times.

Exercise 2

13. Keep your head level and your neck still.

14. Bring your left shoulder forward, lift it and roll it backwards.

15. Repeat three times.

16. Repeat the exercise with your right shoulder.

17. Use both shoulders at once.

Tips & Warnings

• These exercises are useful not just for singing but also for releasing tension at the end of a long, hard day. Lie down on the floor. Tighten all your muscles for a slow count of 5, then suddenly release them. You will experience a very pleasant sense of floating.

[lighthouse1]

on 3/6/2009 I've noticed that it's also really important to get a good night's sleep before singing. It provides you with more control and helps you reach the higher notes more easily.

[antidiva06]

on 2/3/2009 I have a question if someone can help me out. I'm a professional singer and my stage performances are physically taxing. while I'm at home rehersing I will sing at full voice while on the elliptical trainer for the entire hour excercize, for that is how long I'm normally on stage. I will also sing while jumping on the mini-tramp. I find that my projection is much better when I'm moving..seems to help me learn to control my diaphragm better and have better control over everything. My question is, do you burn more calories this way or is it the same as if you don't sing at all? would appreciate it greatly, if anyone has an answer for this. you can write me at [e-mail]. thanks

[aundybkoo]

on 1/1/2009 Awesome, I will try this before practice sometime. it seems like a really good way to get centered

[Quickstar]

on 11/27/2008 I like this article I think that you can benefit from these exercising any time you need to relax and focus~LOVE IT!

[shalladeguzman]

on 7/2/2008 Get a book like Singing for Dummies for more. Also check out software programs like Singing Coach Unlimited, etc.