Better Breath, Better Balance, Better Singing: Why I Use a Balance Board in Voice Lessons
Have you ever tried singing while standing on a wobbly surface? It might sound like a circus trick, but using a balance board in your voice lessons and personal practice can revolutionize the way you connect with your body, breath, and sound. What seems like a simple fitness tool actually unlocks a deeper level of awareness, support, and stamina for singers—making it one of the most effective (and fun!) tools in your vocal toolkit.
Incorporating a balance board into both voice lessons and personal practice offers a multitude of benefits for singers, enhancing not only vocal technique but also overall physical health. This article delves into the reasons behind using a balance board in singing practice, supported by scientific insights and practical experiences.
Enhancing Breath Support Through Core Engagement
Effective breath support is fundamental to singing, and the appoggio technique emphasizes coordinated, stable, and expansive breath control. Standing on a balance board naturally engages the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and pelvic floor, which are essential for maintaining balance. This engagement mirrors the muscle activation required for appoggio breathing, allowing singers to experience and develop proper breath support more intuitively. Practicing on a balance board allows singers to reinforce the feeling of "support" without having to consciously engage their muscles, making it easier to focus on other aspects of performance, such as vowel modification and enunciation.
Building Stamina and Energy Efficiency
Singing while balancing requires additional energy, as the body works to maintain stability. This increased demand can make the act of singing feel easier in comparison, as the focus shifts to balance maintenance. However, the overall exercise can be quite tiring, contributing to improved stamina over time. Many students report that after practicing on a balance board, singing off the board feels more effortless and less taxing, indicating enhanced endurance and energy efficiency.
Promoting Proper Posture and Reducing Tension
Maintaining good posture is crucial for optimal vocal performance. Common issues such as swaying or forward neck posture can negatively impact singing by causing energy inefficiency and airway constriction. The unstable surface of a balance board discourages these habits, as any excessive movement can lead to loss of balance. This immediate feedback helps students become more aware of their posture and develop better habits, leading to improved stability without stiffness or tension.
Enhancing Body Awareness and Proprioception
Balance training is known to improve proprioception—the body's ability to sense its position in space—which is vital for singers. Enhanced body awareness allows for finer control over movements and muscle activations involved in singing. Sports science research supports the use of balance boards in developing proprioception, highlighting their role in injury prevention and rehabilitation. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2007) by Emery et al. demonstrated that balance training significantly improved proprioceptive ability and reduced injury rates in adolescent athletes, underscoring the tool’s broad applications beyond sports and into functional training domains such as singing. By incorporating balance board exercises, singers can achieve greater control and coordination, translating to more precise vocal techniques.
Additional research in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation found that proprioceptive balance training improved postural control and reduced the risk of lower extremity injury in athletes (source).
By incorporating balance board exercises, singers can achieve greater control and coordination, translating to more precise vocal techniques.
Cross-Training for Holistic Health Benefits
As singers, the body serves as the primary instrument. Therefore, overall physical health significantly influences vocal performance. Cross-training through activities like balance board work helps improve coordination, strengthen stabilizer muscles, and boost energy levels.
Balance boards are also recommended as part of healthy aging routines. Studies have shown that balance training improves stability, reduces fall risk, and enhances mobility in older adults. One study published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy found significant improvements in standing balance after consistent use of a balance board.
These general health benefits also contribute to better singing. Increased physical resilience, improved posture, and heightened awareness of alignment and breath can all support a stronger, more expressive vocal performance. Regular use of a balance board can even help prevent injuries associated with tension and poor posture—making it a powerful preventative tool for singers.
Practical Applications in Singing Practice
Incorporating a balance board into singing lessons can be simple and effective:
Warm-Ups – Start with vocal warm-ups while balancing to engage the core and awaken body awareness.
Technical Drills – Practice scales or breath exercises on the board to improve support and coordination.
Repertoire Practice – Perform challenging phrases while balancing, then repeat them off the board to reinforce muscle memory and efficient technique.
Using a balance board also helps singers become more grounded—literally and figuratively. Many singers experience a newfound connection to their breath and body, allowing for more consistent technique and confident performance.
Final Thoughts
The balance board is a simple but powerful tool that can bring immediate and long-term benefits to your singing practice. It encourages natural core engagement, improves posture and breath support, and helps build awareness of unhelpful habits. Best of all, the effects often linger long after you step off the board, making your singing feel easier, more energized, and more efficient.
Whether you're a beginner exploring technique or an advanced vocalist refining your artistry, a balance board can help you feel—and sing—your best.
