Here’s something you may not have considered: Singers are athletes. Singing is an activity that works your whole body and a lot more muscles than you may think. This is exactly why maintaining proper posture is so important; without it, you’ll lack the strength and breath support you need to achieve the pitch or tone you desire. Sit up straight and read on for more details.
When first starting out, it’s easy to assume that singing only really involves your vocal cords. (There are many misconceptions about this skill set.) But hitting notes is a full-body endeavor: You need to be able to breathe, stretch, and hold your body with strength in order to utilize the muscles in your head, neck, and chest—often while moving around a stage. And while it certainly helps to have a naturally good voice, your ability and stamina will be determined by your physicality.
In a word? Exercise! Stretching, moving, and strengthening your body—especially your core muscles—will help you to find the right position. Here are some specific tips on how to do that.
1. Stand against a flat wall or surface. This will help you to understand what a straight back and spine actually feels like. Notice how everything is in alignment: head, neck, shoulders, trunk, hips, and legs. Your eyes should be looking just below whatever’s straight ahead (you will likely notice how your jaw and chin naturally relax when you do this correctly).
2. Relax. Tension is a singer’s nemesis. Always keep your shoulders dropped and back, knees unlocked, and every other muscle in your body as relaxed as possible. Your chest should feel lifted and open, like after a good, full breath. (Breathing exercises will help you achieve this.)
How Singers Can Belt with the Best of ’Em 3. Breathe with your whole core. When most people think of breathing, they imagine the lungs filling up and that’s it. But effective breathwork also uses your diaphragm (the muscles below your lungs) in order to support your voice. Activating all of your core muscles will not only help your posture align, it will also help you feel how weight distribution can affect your tone.
4. Do strengthening exercises. Your core (your back, abdominals, butt, and hips) play a major part in posture. If you feel as though this area is lacking in any way, research some exercises that strengthen those muscles.
What does singing posture look like?
Essentially, it’s a strong, confident-looking stance with your head up, shoulders back, chest open, knees relaxed, and pelvis engaged. Imagine an opera singer standing onstage or a guard standing at attention—this is what good posture looks like. Just remember: Don’t forget to release any tension in your body!
How to maintain posture while moving
Practice, practice, practice, as is the truth with most things. By working these muscles with exercise and stretching, falling into correct posture will become second nature. And over time it will become easier to achieve—even when moving around or singing in a musical number—because your body will naturally want to do what is correct to achieve singing support. Running, if you’re able, will also help (and increase your lung capacity)!
Medical advice disclaimer: Content in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
