Stretching and warm-up exercises
Do some muscle stretches as shown in the illustrations below. These exercises are great for relaxation and can even be done first thing in the morning, before you start your day or your work, to relieve tension. Do not do them only when it is time to practice singing, but whenever you need to, or better yet, every day. Stretching develops your body awareness: by stretching every part of your body, you learn to know yourself.
For the face, neck, shoulders and sides of the body. Let us practice.
1) FACE: much of the tension in your face comes from frowning or squinting, which strains your eyes. Raise your eyebrows and open your eyes as wide as you can while opening your mouth to stretch the muscles around your nose and chin; stick your tongue out for five to ten seconds. It is an exercise that makes you smile.
2) NECK: sit in a comfortable position. Very slowly turn your head in a full circle, keeping your back straight.
3) SHOULDERS: pull your elbow across your chest toward the opposite shoulder. In this position, press the elbow with your other hand as firmly as you can for ten to fifteen seconds.
4) SIDES OF THE BODY: stand next to a wall with your feet apart. Raise the arm closest to the wall as high as you can and press the back of your hand and your arm against the wall for ten to fifteen seconds. Then bend gently to the side from the waist, keeping your arm stretched up and over your head. Put your other hand on your hip for support. Keep breathing during the exercise.
5) POSTURE: a singer should always sing upright, as if hanging from a string. Your whole body should rest on its bone structure, with the shoulders slightly back, creating a small curve in the back to get the greatest possible chest capacity. Keep your legs slightly apart, heels fully on the floor without touching each other. Let your arms hang relaxed and distribute your weight evenly on both legs. When sitting, do not cross your legs.
These are just a few of the many stretching exercises. They all aim to tense and relax individual muscles. Practice them for a healthy life.