Introduction

Welcome to the first step in our vocal training series. This guide will teach you a series of warm-up exercises designed to prepare your body and voice for speaking or singing. These exercises are crucial for expanding your ribcage, promoting deep breathing, and loosening up your muscles to ensure optimal vocal performance.

Exercise 1: Body Stretches

Part 1: Side Stretches

• Purpose: To stretch the ribcage and enhance lung capacity.
• Instructions:
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Raise your hands above your head.
  3. Grasp your left wrist with your right hand.
  4. Gently lean to your right side to stretch the left side of your ribcage.
  5. Breathe deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
  6. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds.
  7. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

Part 2: Front Bend

• Purpose: To loosen up the back and promote full-body relaxation.
• Instructions:
  1. From a standing position, exhale as you bend forward from the hips.
  2. Aim to touch your toes, keeping your knees slightly bent rather than locked.
  3. Allow your head to hang freely and relax your upper body completely.
  4. Take deep breaths, filling your lungs with each inhalation.
  5. Hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds.
  6. Slowly roll up to an upright position, one vertebra at a time, keeping your shoulders rolled back.

Exercise 2: Facial Exercises

Face Scrunches

• Purpose: To improve blood flow to the face and relax facial muscles.
• Instructions:
  1. Start with a relaxed facial expression.
  2. Scrunch every facial muscle as if you tasted something sour like a lemon—think intense cheek pinching.
  3. Hold the scrunch for a moment.
  4. Immediately after, open your eyes and mouth as wide as possible.
  5. Repeat this cycle a few times to feel a rush of blood to the face.

Now that you have completed the first vocal warm-up exercise by engaging in body and face stretches, your body should feel more relaxed and open, and you should notice an increased blood flow, especially to your face. You are now ready to proceed to vocal warm-up number two.

Remember, the effectiveness of these exercises comes from regular practice. Incorporate them into your daily routine to maintain the flexibility and responsiveness of your voice and body.