This is the 3rd part of the series Breathing for Singers. Make sure to watch the Part 1 and the Part 2 before going through this page.
There are two things that every singer needs to acknowledge: Endurance and Strength. Endurance will allow you to go the distance and to have stamina during the concert. Strength is the power and the energy, it’s also called Resistance. The main idea is to keep the body active and responsive, otherwise, it is weak and would not react in the desired manner.
Endurance could be running, biking, fast walking. And Strength is resistance exercises and training. Either one should never exhaust the body. As long as you are doing the right movement without forcing your muscles, there is balance and the body will react in a good way. Many trainers worship exhausting their clients, but I object. There is a difference between feeling alive and feeling like you’re about to lose it. So try to be objective and know when you need to stop.
The same applies to the exercises below. You may practice them on a daily basis as long as you do not feel that you’re about to lose it. Instead, you should feel alive, active and powerful.
Let’s get started
Place your hand below the sternum. This area is where you will feel the breath cycle.
The breath cycle is the Inhalation & Exhalation; they come as one entity. One breath means Inhalation + Exhalation, so they are never really disconnected from each other. The area below your sternum represents your diaphragm. We do not control it but we let it do its job; taking air in and out. Many use the word “control”, but in reality, we shouldn’t. We let the body do it for us by simply commanding the brain to execute the task.
The “S”
Keep your hand on the sternum and breathe in by means on “A” from the mouth, then immediately exhale on an “S”, slowly, without forcing the air out. Repeat for 4 to 6 times.
The “S” comes from the sternum (in your hand) and should not be forced from the throat nor the mouth. This exercise will help you balance yourself and put yourself back into place just when you’re about to sing. This “S” breathing is exactly what happens physically when you are singing, except that instead of singing on “S” you are singing on words and lyrics.
The Plank
I find this exercise really useful because it reinforces the abs and the diaphragm. In other words, it develops Strength. Your abs are entirely supporting your structure. Watch out for your spine and lower back, that should remain inactive. This is also useful if you are looking to develop abs muscles, so you’re twice the winner!
Get in a prone position on the floor supporting your weight on your toes and forearms. Your arms are bent and directly below your shoulders. Keep your body straight at all times and hold this position as long as possible.
If you have never done this exercise before, it may seem wiser to hold the position for 15 seconds, doing 3 to 5 sets. With time, you will be able to hold for up to 1 minute, or even more. Be patient!
Counting
This exercise will not only develop Endurance, but also Resistance because you are holding your breath in and out. This will train your body to maintain a position in place, which is useful when you are singing for long periods of time.
Lie down on your back, lift your knees to not hurt your lower back. Your chest is elevated/straight, and your shoulders are rested with your neck and head (in a resting position).
Breathe in on a count of 4.
Hold on a count of 4.
Exhale on a count of 4.
Hold on a count of 4.
With time you can add up to 5, 6, 7, or 8 counts. But be reasonable and patient. Never exhaust yourself. OK?
The Acrobat
The Acrobat is similar to the previous exercise, but with a more advanced technic. This one will not only develop Resistance, but will also train the diaphragm to react to singing.
Sit down straight. Place one arm on top of your head (any arm), then direct your upper body to the opposite side while exhaling. Once you reach a 35-40 degree angle, exhale as much as you can then hold this position without breathing in. Hold as much as you can then breathe in deeply while going back to a straight position.
You may do this exercise for up to 2 or 3 times in order to regulate and awake your abdominal structure.
There are also other exercises that you can apply to your learning, so feel free to get in touch.
Always try to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle, seriously, it changes everything!
Hi, I’m the Voice Guru, but you can call me John Tracy.
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