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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