5 Top Endurance Exercises for Vocalists.
Endurance is crucial for performing artists (particularly singers!) as you rely on stamina to maintain vocal strength, control, and flexibility throughout demanding performances. To help you build lasting endurance, dear singer, a combination of physical and vocal exercises are essential.
Here are five effective exercises to enhance your endurance as a performing artist:
1. Cardio Workouts (Running, Cycling, Swimming):
Cardiovascular exercises are essential for improving overall stamina. Regular cardio helps strengthen the lungs, improve oxygen intake, and increase energy levels. These activities also support better breath control, which is crucial for you as a singer to sustain long phrases without fatigue. If you’re in a space where you can sing along to your favourite playlist while doing cardio; even better! This is one of my biggest recommendations for singers. (This could look like investing in a spin bike for your room to be able to belt out your fave songs and get a huge increase in stamina at the same time, while not being a loud weirdo in the gym..!)
2. Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Deep belly breathing engages the diaphragm, which is essential for controlling airflow while singing. Practice breathing exercises that emphasize inhaling deeply through the nose, expanding the belly, and exhaling slowly. This builds lung capacity and strengthens the muscles involved in proper breath support.
3. Interval Training:
This high-intensity exercise alternates between short bursts of intense activity and periods of rest. For singers, interval training can mimic the demands of a live performance, helping improve both physical and vocal endurance. Alternating between fast-paced and slow-paced songs during practice can also simulate the real-life performance experience. (Hot tip: 80s music is my favourite for a slower bpm playlist that still has enough energy to get you hitting those reps).
4. Planks and Core Strengthening Exercises:
A strong core supports better posture and breath control, both of which are essential for vocal endurance. Incorporate planks, leg raises, and other core-strengthening exercises to build stability, allowing singers to perform with more power and less strain.
5. Vocal Warm-Ups & Stamina Drills:
Regularly practicing vocal exercises like sustained notes and scales gradually increases vocal stamina. Start slowly and build up to longer durations and more challenging vocal patterns, focusing on pitch accuracy and smooth transitions. If you don’t have your own singing coach, I highly recommend getting one. Even the most experienced singer can benefit from a coach! Otherwise, YouTube is a helpful (and free) start.
By integrating these exercises into a regular routine, you can significantly improve your performance endurance, ensuring you can deliver your best throughout each show!!
Go get it!
Xx
