Winter Warm Ups

We may be experiencing a bit of a winter warm spell but winter may be here for a bit longer. Warming up prior to practice sessions or rehearsal can be all the more necessary during colder months. It can even feel like our normal warm-up routine isn’t cutting it and that we need longer time to warm up fully. We singers need to make sure we allow for plenty of time to get not just our vocal folds, but also our whole bodies prepared to work each time we are going to be singing. Taking time for stretches, breathing exercises, vocalizing, and vocal exercises is crucial to making sure our instruments are relaxed and ready to work. A good vocal warm up should take at least 15 minutes no matter what the weather is like outside. However, when we are dealing with chilly temperatures, a warm up session can take upwards of an hour. Coming inside from the cold to start a rehearsal or lesson can mean that the whole body may feel cold and our muscles may be tense. We will need to allow our muscles and body temperatures to adjust to the changes. It can even be helpful to split the warm up into sections and even take breaks. Going slower may feel like you are wasting time. However, it is merely adjusting for your bodies needs during this current season. You will find this will help you feel stronger throughout longer singing sessions.