The Vocal Warm-Up vs. Vocal Exercise
If you spend any time at the gym, you’re probably well aware that there is a difference between your workout warm-up and the actual exercise. The purpose of the warm-up is to get your body ready for exercise. Then, you gradually raise your heart rate and body temperature through lower intensity movements so that when it comes time to train and exercise, it’s not a shock to the system.
The exercise component of a workout itself usually has a goal attached to it. The intensity is much higher than the warm-up, and you’re more likely to increase the intensity level so that you get an intended training stimulus. Without warming up, you probably won’t have a great workout. And if you push too hard in the warm-up, your workout might suffer.
Vocal Warm-Up vs. Vocal Exercise
The principles you use in warming up and exercising at the gym also apply to your vocal training.
Warm-up : Prepares your voice for vocal training
Exercise : Builds your voice up over time
Just like training a muscle at the gym, when you’re warming up your voice, you don’t want to actually be tearing it down. So, try not to ever overdo the warm-up.
In terms of exercising your voice, the best thing you can do is exercise your voice over an extended period of time. Gradually building up your voice will improve the health of your voice, making your singing voice better and stronger in the long run.
Other Vocal Training Tips
Taking care of your voice is a lot like taking care of your body’s physical fitness. Here are a few other tips for your voice (that can also work at the gym):
- Be well hydrated before training. Drink plenty of water the night before you sing, as well as during your vocal “workout.”
- Don’t force your voice to work. If your voice isn’t responding the way you’d like, back off and don’t overdo your training. You might just need a bit more recovery time.
- Work with a personal coach or instructor. Working one-on-one with a vocal coach is a great way to focus your training and get the results you’re after.
If you’re interested in working with a voice coach, Fox Music can help. We have professional voice teachers who are well-trained, experienced instructors and role models. Contact us at either our Chesapeake or Virginia Beach locations to learn more about the programs we have to offer kids and adults.
