Singers’ Health- tips from Angel

As singers, we spend a lot of time standing and sometimes, the legs begin to protest, loudly and painfully.  Here are some possible ways to alleviate some of that leg pain (bear in mind these are coming from a singer, not a PhD):

1-Make Micro-movements.  Instead of standing absolutely still, keep moving, in micro-increments.   Shift your weight, move slightly forward or back; keep the movements easy & natural, and small (unless you want to call it “choreography!).

2-Drink water.  As one very experienced singer/doctor once told me, “Sing wet, pee pale.”   If you get very dehydrated, you may need to replace electrolytes as well (a “sports drink” may be needed as well as water).

3-Some foods that MAY help alleviate leg cramps are quinine (in tonic water) and potassium (in bananas, for one).

4-Stretch out with a good walk or with toe-touch exercises before you know you will be standing for long periods of time.