Last week when I was writing my post on singing and fitness, I invited mezzo-soprano Robin Flynn
of The Athletic Performer to share some insight. Robin is currently a Merola Young Artist with the San Francisco Opera, so I suspected she was far too busy to make a contribution. I'm grateful that somehow in between rehearsals she did find the time to answer a few questions for me. Enjoy!
How has your exercise regimen directly impacted your vocal technique and singing career?
My exercise regimen has given me a greater awareness of my body and how to use my body. My endurance and strength keep me from physically tiring out as quickly as other singers. I've become much more aware of my breath (for example) and have no problem running around on stage AND singing. My vocal technique has only gotten better from strengthening my body because my vocal technique is based in my body.
As far as impacting my career, it's obviously to my advantage to be fit and in shape since I am a lyric mezzo who has to portray young men in pants roles. It's a sensitive topic in the opera world right now but there's no denying that if you have two singers of the same vocal calibre and one is overweight/unhealthy looking and the other is fit and strong, the fit singer (provided they're a good colleague, not a diva, etc) will be the one who's hired. Many stage directors want physical believability just as much as they want a beautiful voice. It does NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS for your career if you are in good shape... so why not strive to be the complete package?
What advice do you have for a singer who wants to begin an exercise regimen who has never really done this before?I would advise the singer to take it slow and find something that you really enjoy doing. If you don't enjoy running but really enjoy riding a bike, spend a lot of time in the saddle! Don't force yourself to do an activity that you don't enjoy simply because you think it's going to make you slimmer... you'll never stick with the activity if you don't enjoy it.
Start off slowly and remember that you have to have patience! To gain fitness, it takes persistence, planning, focus, and dedication. It's not something that happens overnight. You can't change your body in 1 month... but you can pave the way for change. If you stick to the path, you will reach your goals but you have to have patience!! We live in an "instant results" society. That approach simply doesn't exist in the fitness/exercise world and NEVER works. Also, don't be afraid to do something outside your comfort zone. Results come from pushing your body past your perceived limitations. Nothing is ever gained by staying stagnant.Have fun and don't be afraid of sweat!!
My thanks once again to Robin and to all of you who have been willing to share your fitness and weight-management stories here.
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