Why Singers Should Strength Train: Be Stronger
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When it comes to choosing a physical activity/hobby outside of singing I am very bias towards strength training (also referred to as resistance training). Specifically Weightlifting. Not weight lifting but the actual sport, Weightlifting. I want to kick this off with expressing how important it is that singers prioritize finding a physical activity outside of singing that they find enjoying and fulfilling. This can be running, biking, yoga, boxing, martial arts, CrossFit, body building… whatever you are drawn to or want to try out, DO IT. It may take committing to a few different activities to really find what connects to you and sometimes even if you’ve been participating in an activity maybe you no longer want to put your efforts into that and decide to try something else. SO, I say all this to not only encourage you to take on other hobbies (even if you’re in a place where singing/music FEELS like your current hobby…) but also that while I am bias towards strength training, I recognize the benefits of choosing an activity you simply just love.
I understand strength training or getting into a strength sport may sway some people because of the resource availability. You need a gym or equipment, and you’ll need someone to guide you. Running and hiking you can do for free. But don’t count out strength training just because you might have to do a little research to find a facility that fits your needs and budget. If you want to learn how to pick up weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells… all the bells!) investing in a personal trainer is a great idea. There are so many resources available to help you with this whether it be a local gym or online programs and coaches. I am confident you can find someone to get you started at a price point that fits your budget.
That being said, if you have not had the good fortune to be exposed to the wonderful world of strength training let me go ahead and share my experience and some of the reasons why I think you should give it a chance. As mentioned previously, I train to compete in the sport Weightlifting. My preferred method of strength training is sport specific and I’ll draw mostly from that experience. However, many of the benefits from Weightlifting can be carried over into other styles of strength training.
Why Singers Should Strength Train: Be Stronger
The reason I got into strength training to begin with was so I could be physically stronger. During graduate school at Ithaca College, I thought “If I physically want to be a stronger singer ( example, a stronger core and better breath control), I need to train to actually be stronger!” So I sought out a personal trainer that could help me with this goal. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into (in a good way!) and building muscle while developing overall strength through out my body became so beneficial in my singing and performing. Also, it feels pretty awesome to be a strong human.
Learning skills such as squat, snatch, clean and jerk not only helped build muscle and strengthen my core as I had hoped for, but it also created stability through my midsection. I believe stability in your midsection carries over directly into singing. Squatting and stabilizing a barbell over head requires you to brace your core. You can do a 100 sit ups day and it will NOT even come close to developing a stable midsection like strength training will. The sensation we strive to create in using our “appoggio” is replicated when we brace to squat and stabilize a weight on the shoulders or overhead.
Other strength has developed that carries over to singing/performing aside from just midline stability. My feet are stronger. I’ve blogged about this before, but having a connection to your feet is essential. Squatting will without a doubt connect you to your feet in a way you would not experience otherwise. Having stronger legs overall helps support the upper body. The majority of your singing is done standing so having stronger legs will only help your support. Even strengthening my arms has helped build confidence in how I MOVE my arms when singing. This is something I”m still working on but I’ve always struggled with what to do with my arms/hands while performing but strengthening the muscles also increases my mind body connection to those limbs.
If you have concerns about “getting bulky” due to strength training let me put your mind at ease. Unless your goal is to bulk up then you have nothing to worry about. People who purposefully bulk have to eat an excessive amount of calories, train obsessively (WAY MORE than an hour or so every few days a week..) and are probably also taking steroids. Are you doing those things? Ok, well then just focus on letting strength training be exactly what it is.. training for STRENGTH. This is all relative for different people so as a beginner you’re looking at 3 times a week, moving some dumbbells or a barbell for reps x sets maybe 45 minutes to an hour per session. That in no way will make you bulky, but it will get you stronger.
My last thought on being stronger for today’s post, working out is great but training is better. At the beginning stages you’re probably just going to be working out. What I mean by that is, you’re only goal is to hit the gym a couple times a week to build strength through strength (resistance) training. And that’s great. However, as you develop your skills and build muscle you will probably find that just working out for the sake of working out doesn’t satisfy your gym going motivation long term. Just like learning a song simply to learn it is hard to do without having a performance date in mind. Training means you have goals in mind and probably a deadline you want to accomplish it. Example, my next Weightlifting meet is October 15th so my current training revolves around that. My final meet for the year is in December so I know for the next few months my training will revolve around those goals. After my December meet I can re-evaluate how I want my training to look based on the upcoming meets for the following year. Just as a singer will schedule their repertoire around their performances. Maybe you started out learning an aria or an opera role because you felt drawn to it and enjoyed it, but without a performance deadline it’s hard to be constant with your practice schedule. As you build your strength training routine start setting small goals along the way to help your gym going experience from becoming stagnant.
I hope this helps you venture out to try a new activity. Until next week,
Laura
