| From: john schweinfurth To: VOCALIST <vocalist> Subject: Re: Abs Workout Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
On Fri, 14 Jan 2000 18:20:06 -0600, VOCALIST wrote:
I recently began a workout program > that prescribes an intense abdominal workout (among many other things).
First, abdominal work-outs should not be too intense. The abdominals are easily overworked. A better approach is to train them medium every day as they recover quickly - much more so than the larger muscle groups. A good work-out can be accomplished in as little as 6 sets totalling 10 minutes.
>some advocating that it is bad because it creates tension and inhibits proper >support, others advocating that the strengthening of the abdominals increases > ablilty to support your sound. I am very hesitant, because the last thing > I want to do is to create an obsticle to my vocal progress, however, I do > think that the abdominal muscles must be an important area of fitness. > Paul Cotten, > graduate baritone, > Baylor University
Yes, you're right, Paul, the abs are a very important area of fitness because of the balance and support they give to the lower back. They minimize lordosis of the lumbar spine which is an important cause of lower back pain and poor posture, which, as you well know, IS IMPORTANT IN SINGING!!!
Well trained abs creating tension? inhibiting support? That's like those people that say smoking relaxes them. Obviously, stretching is an important part of any training program, even on the abs. This is accomplished by what's called a 'cobra' stretch (like the snake) in which you lay prone and lift your upper body upon your outstretched arms leaving your pelvis glued to the mat.
I recommend abdominal training, done properly. Period.
John M. Schweinfurth, MD Laryngology and Professional Voice Care Assistant Professor Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN (615) 322-6180
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