Breathe Like a Singer, Perform Like an Athlete
At Symons Studio, we believe great performers aren’t born—they’re trained. And that includes how they breathe. For singers, breathing isn’t just a function—it’s a skill. A source of control, power, and calm. That same skillset, when brought into the world of sport, offers surprising benefits. Here’s how singing techniques can help athletes go further, recover faster, and stay focused under pressure.
1. Better breathing for better endurance
In classical singing, we train diaphragmatic breathing, airfl ow control, and rib expansion—techniques rooted in centuries of voice work. A study in the Journal of Voice (Iwarsson & Sundberg, 2021) found that trained singers have stronger breath control and larger vital capacity. We use tools like appoggio and low-laryngeal posture to help singers stay grounded and supported over long musical phrases.
For athletes, this means improved oxygen use and breath control—especially when fatigued. Think better stamina, fewer gasps, and more control when it counts.
2. Strength from the core
Singing is a full-body activity. Classical training builds deep core strength and postural alignment. Research in Medical Problems of Performing Artists (Watson et al., 2017) shows classical singers outperform peers in posture and muscle endurance. In both of our guiding texts, the link between breath, body, and sound is key.
Athletes benefit from more efficient movement mechanics and a stronger foundation, helping reduce injuries and build lasting strength.
3. Calm under pressure
We teach singers to stay present and calm—even when the stakes are high. Breath regulates the nervous system, and singing trains that refl ex deeply. A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology (Fancourt & Perkins) showed that singing reduces cortisol and boosts oxytocin—both key in recovery and stress management.
For athletes, that translates to better focus, faster recovery, and more resilience under pressure.
4. A new way to train the breath
Sport often includes some form of breath training, but few athletes are exposed to the depth and nuance of a singer’s approach. At Symons Studio, we train the breath like an instrument. It’s precise, supported, and integrated into the whole body. This isn’t just breath work—it’s breath artistry.
Our method gives athletes a toolkit that supports long-term performance—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We’re already working with early partners to bring this crossover to life. If you’re an athlete, coach, or performance specialist curious about what singing can do for your sport, we’d love to explore it with you.