Each classical singer who has already had the experience of having to sing a bigger concert or an opera role on stage knows that the base for good and healthy singing is a well-trained body. Not like Arnold Schwarzenegger 😉, but classical singing needs a good constitution of the body and power and flexibility of the muscles that support the singing system. Classical singing is often associated with artistry, expression, and musical sensitivity — yet one essential component is frequently underestimated: Singing is an athletic activity. Not in the visible, external sense of sport, but in the highly sophisticated coordination of the body. Your instrument is not located in one single place. It is the result of an integrated physical system involving breath management, postural support, muscular balance, mobility, and nervous system regulation. Just as athletes prepare their bodies before performing, singers benefit from developing a clear awareness of their physical condition — not with pressure, but with precision. To understand this more clearly, it helps to look at the primary physical areas that support classical singing. Breathing Muscles The diaphragm and surrounding respiratory muscles must work with both strength and elasticity. Efficient breath management allows for stable phrasing, dynamic control, and vocal endurance — without forcing the sound. Postural Muscles A balanced, aligned posture creates the structural freedom the voice depends on. When the body organizes itself efficiently, unnecessary compensatory tension decreases, and the breath can respond more naturally. Core Stability Core muscles provide dynamic stability rather than rigidity. They help regulate subglottic pressure and support coordinated sound without pressing or collapsing. Neck and Shoulder Freedom Excess tension in these areas can quickly interfere with vocal coordination. Mobility and release allow the larynx to respond flexibly instead of being pulled or restricted. Jaw and Tongue Mobility

Many singers experience mornings where the vocal folds feel swollen, unresponsive, or simply “not right.” If you have clear symptoms of illness — infection, fever, inflammation, pain, or feeling unwell — the priority is always to cancel, rest, and avoid forcing the voice. In those situations, recovery comes first. But morning swelling on its own does not automatically mean the day is lost. Swollen vocal folds are common in the morning and can be influenced by sleep, hydration, recovery, workload, and nervous system regulation. Swelling does not equal damage — and how you respond matters more than the initial sensation. In this video, I explain a few important things to consider when the vocal folds don’t close properly in the morning, and what helps the system settle instead of forcing function too early. For additional guidance and practical tools, make sure to check the Classroom for more useful tips.