{"id":3496,"date":"2023-04-15T01:02:53","date_gmt":"2023-04-15T01:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/katrinapfitzner.com\/?p=3496"},"modified":"2024-04-15T17:26:17","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T17:26:17","slug":"how-stretching-exercises-can-help-singers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/katrinapfitzner.com\/how-stretching-exercises-can-help-singers\/","title":{"rendered":"How stretching exercises can help singers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stretching isn\u2019t just for physical activity; it can also improve your singing voice. Performing simple stretching exercises before you sing can help alleviate tension and promote good vocal technique that will allow you to reach higher notes, project more volume and deliver powerful performances with less effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does stretching help singers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stretching exercises can be beneficial to singers in many ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They help improve posture, increase flexibility and range of motion, relax the muscles used during singing, reduce tension and stress within the body, improve breathing capacity and create a sense of balance between breath support muscles. Regular stretching helps keep your vocal cords healthy as well as improving your overall performance capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Stretching is a critical aspect of warmup and a healthy daily routine for any singer” offers founder Katrina Pfitzner. “It’s important to stretch your body comfortably, safely, and only as often as you feel comfortable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For singers wanting to increase their range or refresh themselves for a vocal performance, stretching often makes an ideal warm-up routine before singing begins. Many voice teachers will recommend stretching exercises particularly when introducing new repertoire or working on extending range safely with beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stretching also serves an important role in preparing for any physical activity involving the use of our bodies- including singing!<\/p>\n\n\n

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“Stretching is a critical aspect of warmup and a healthy daily routine for any singer”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nKatrina Pfitzner, founder<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What kind of stretches are good for singers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are different types of stretches which target different aspects that may be beneficial for singers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some stretches that may be good for singers include targeted stretches for specific muscles and joints, dynamic stretches which involve moving the body in an active manner rather than simply holding a pose (think \u2018warming up\u2019 type movements), whole-body stretching as well as breathing exercises to promote relaxation\/tension relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Targeted (or Static) Stretches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This refers to stretches that target specific muscles used during singing. These muscles can be specifically targeted with stretches to promote flexibility, range of motion and relaxation. These include stretching the chest wall, abdominal muscles as well as neck and shoulder girdle (the area where your shoulders connect to the back).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some common targeted stretches for singers:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  • Chest wall stretch<\/strong>: Hold your arms out in front of you at shoulder level and open them out wide as far as is comfortable. You should feel a gentle pull\/stretch across the chest muscles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upper back stretch:<\/strong> Sit or stand with your arms crossed in front of you. Slowly lift your arms up while keeping your back straight, feeling a stretch across your upper back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Abdominal stretch:<\/strong> While sitting with legs crossed, fingers locked behind head to support it and elbows pulled back slightly, gently lean backward while keeping spine straight until a gentle stretching sensation is felt across your abdomen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Trapezius stretch: <\/strong>Sit or stand with good posture and gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. You should feel a stretch along the side of your neck and shoulder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Neck and shoulder girdle:<\/strong> Sitting in a chair press your chin down towards your chest. You should feel the muscles of your neck stretching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Side stretch:<\/strong> Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and reach one arm up and over your head, leaning to the opposite side. You should feel a stretch along the side of your body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lunging hip flexor stretch:<\/strong> Step forward into a lunge position with one foot in front and one foot behind you. Slowly lower your back knee to the ground and push your hips forward, feeling a stretch in the front of your hip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It’s important to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds and to never push past the point of discomfort. Stretching regularly can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall vocal performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dynamic Stretches for Singers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Dynamic stretches involve controlled and repeated movements which focus more on \u2018warming up\u2019 muscles in the body to help them become more extended. These are active, controlled stretches which involve moving parts of the body rather than holding still to stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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