In this post, we’ll focus on an often overlooked part of singing—preparing your body with stretches.

Why Stretches Are Important for Singers

If you’ve followed my work, you know I approach singing holistically. Singing engages not just your voice but your entire body and mind. One effective way to prepare for a great singing session is by performing strategic stretches beforehand. These stretches won’t magically improve your voice, but they will set up your body to function optimally, making your singing practice more efficient and enjoyable.

Let’s walk through three essential stretches that will help you release tension, improve posture, and support better breath control.

1. Flexor and Extensor Balancing Stretch

This stretch helps balance the anterior and posterior parts of your body. By aligning these areas, you improve posture, breathing, and the coordination of the muscles that control your pitch.

How to Do It:

• Sit down, ensuring your pelvis is stable, and you can feel your sit bones supporting you.

• Breathe in deeply as you lean your torso forward, stretching the back muscles.

• Then breathe in again, bringing your torso backward.

• Keep your pelvis stable throughout the movement. Start small if flexibility is an issue. The key is to move from your pelvis, not from your head or upper back.

2. Rib Stretch for Breath Flexibility

Many people believe that singing requires belly breathing, but what’s actually more important is the flexibility of the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). These muscles are essential for both inhalation and breath support while singing.

How to Do It:

• Sit with your pelvis stable.

• Raise one arm, ensuring that your shoulder stays relaxed and down.

• As you stretch your arm upward, focus on keeping your pelvis grounded and stable in the chair.

• Breathe in as you stretch, allowing your ribs to expand, then exhale as you return to neutral.

3. Neck Stretch for Flexibility

Singers often carry tension in the neck, which can affect vocal performance. This stretch works with the weight of your head, not by pulling or forcing anything.

How to Do It:

• Sit with your pelvis stable.

• Let your head gently drop forward, using only the weight of your head to stretch the neck muscles.

• Slowly make three big circles with your head in each direction. 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these simple but effective stretches before your next vocal warm-up, singing session, or even speaking engagement can make a noticeable difference in how your body feels and responds. Remember, never push your stretches beyond what feels comfortable—your body will let you know its limits.

If you enjoyed this content, you should check out The Functional Singer program!

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