Weightlifting: Should singers do it?

Weight lifting, like many other vocally-related issues, is controversial. I got an emailed question about it this week:

"Dear Judy,
Out of interest, just why is weightlifting bad for singing? Is it just the grunting or is it more?
Best wishes
Andrew Hawcroft"

Funny - the last time I wrote a blog post about weightlifting was about this time last year! This post was in depth, you might want to check it out. Wonder if it's a seasonal quandary?

My answer to Andrew:

"Great question...Yes...the reason weight lifting can be harmful for vocalists is mainly the pressure people put on the vocal cords when they hold their breath to push the weights. There is one more big caution I would give: When lifting weights you are correctly advised to stiffen the back of your neck and shoulders to protect your neck. Do that when you lift weights... but NOT when you use your voice. That T-zone of neck and shoulders MUST relax when you sing or speak.

If you can keep from tightly clamping your throat together during weightlifting, and can remember to relax the tense and muscular areas you build in neck and shoulders when you use your voice, you can lift weights in a way that is safe for your vocal apparatus. I lift (light) weights myself. However, I would not do serious weightlifting the same day as performance. Do light aerobic exercise instead. "

Got a vocal question? Comment on this blog, or email me directly. As you can see, I do answer them, and they make great discussions here as well!