by Cari Cole
In order to successfully adapt to a 4-5 day per week exercise routine, which I recommend for all my artists, you will need to find ways of exercise that are fun and challenging for you. If the gym is not fun for you there are countless opportunities besides those four walls.
Whatever exercises you do, be sure to stretch before and after your workout to promote long flexible muscles. It is important that your spine stays flexible and your muscles long, toned and relaxed.
- Jogging: On a cinder track or a treadmill ~ excellent for overall fitness if your knees can take it. When I used to sing five nights a week I would lightly jog 3 miles every day before the performance. It opened up my voice considerably making singing a breeze. On the days when I didn’t feel so good, or even when I was coming down with something, I would still do the 3 miles because I would sing so much better that it was worth the agony.
- Tae Bo
- Martial arts: What is great about martial arts is all the breathing you do! Tai Chi, Chi Gong etc.
- Biking: Biking is a great way to get a cardiovascular workout especially if you can find a trail that has up’s and down’s. As a New Yorker I love to bike along the Hudson on the New Jersey side. There are many amazingly beautiful and challenging trails. Spinning is a special type of stationery biking that you can find at a health club that can be an even more intense aerobic workout.
- Kickboxing
- Dance
- Pilates
- Step
Stay tuned for more tips!