“For many of us, the voice works well even though our core isn’t as well coordinated as it could be. However, when the voice and/or breath aren’t working well or you go through a physical change that results in a negative shift in the functioning of your voice or body, core training is a key element of making a change for the better.” Harvard Holden Voice Program teacher Sarah Whitten points to the importance of strengthening muscles in the core. Rather than fearing that muscles will become too tight, she notes, a solid core not only enables the voice to function better but also puts an end to pain during movement.
Signs of a weak core that could affect your voice
There are many signs that your core may not be as strong as it needs to be for optimal voice performance. These include strain in the shoulders, neck, and throat, as well as difficulty producing sound, lower back pain, breathing issues, and poor posture. Strengthening your core with weights or with exercises such as the plank hold or side plank hold will help soothe these problems. Far from creating a tight six pack that interferes with movement, a solid core will help with issues such as neck tension and breathing, as well as hone your flexibility and strength.
Popular core strengthening exercises
Pilates is a particularly interesting core strengthening exercise for the voice because it involves inhaling and exhaling with every exercise. Of course, it has additional benefits that can favor your performance, including improved posture, balanced muscular strength on both sides of the body. The plank is also favored by singers because it strengthens the core without straining the neck. Moreover, it can be performed at home or on the road, which is ideal for those on tour. Crunches and sit-ups will also develop the ‘six-pack’ muscles and hip flexors. When performing crunches, ensure your head and neck are well supported by your hands, and that your elbows are facing the side, to avoid neck tension.
Finding balance
To counter the flexion undertaken in crunch-type exercises, extend your spine with ‘the Superman’. The latter involves lying on your stomach and extending your arms forward, lifting your feet up as well. This will stretch the rectus abdominis and promote flexibility. Finally, use resistance bands to rotate your body at the waist, thus strengthening your internal and external obliques.
Whitten recommends trying out a number of exercises, which will tell you whether or not there is a problem in coordination between your muscles and your breathing. Issues such as hernias, excess pressure, or muscle weakness, merit dedicated strengthening exercises every day, many of which can easily be performed even if you are on the road.
