Why is the stereotypical opera singer big? Is this a myth or a fact?
This article will talk about modern opera singers and how they prepare for live performances.
The average size of a singer is an intriguing topic. One industry source calls it the “straw man fallacy.”
According to some accounts, a typical singer weighs 350 pounds. Why does this myth persist?
I was once told that opera singers are big because opera is a very physical art form. I agree with that generalization.
However, I think opera singers are also large because of their dedication to their art and training. And it’s not about the size of a singer; it’s about their fitness level and the difficulty of their technique.
Before starting this article, let’s look at the human body composition of opera singers. Many people mistakenly believe that opera singers are fatter than singers in other genres.
In fact, about one-fourth of all opera singers are in the overweight or obese range, and one-fifth are underweight. Approximately 15 percent of opera singers weigh more than 350 pounds.
Why are singers of a certain size common?
First of all, some singers train very hard to achieve weight control. One example is Claudio Abbado, who’s the conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic.
He’s given his weight loss and healthy diet recipe. His cholesterol level is normal.
He still performs all over the world and has played his part in “The Barber of Seville,” “Fidelio,” and many other operas.
Now, let’s look at the difference between opera singers and non-opera singers. Non-opera singers don’t spend hours on their bodies.
They’re either naturally slim or carry some excess weight. So, while a non-opera singer might weigh 180 pounds, that doesn’t mean the average opera singer weighs 350 pounds.
This myth is related to a common misunderstanding about opera.
Many people think opera singers are bigger than singers in other genres. In fact, some studies say opera singers are bigger than non-opera singers.
Is this myth a myth or fact?
In many parts of Europe and the United States, opera is a part of the culture. It’s one of the largest art forms.
There are opera houses all over the world. So, when you see large opera singers, you’re not looking at an average size.
The average size of opera singers is about 175 pounds. What else is the myth?
Here are a few reasons why this myth is wrong.
Training
The singer must be very fit to perform long periods of opera. Like in many sports, for opera singers, there are physical challenges.
Many times a singer will have to break a sweat to stay on stage. Some singers do particular exercise routines for their muscle tone and flexibility.
Longevity
What’s the biggest problem with opera? Death.
However, if opera singers do all the proper maintenance and diet, there’s a good chance they can live long and healthy lives. They have to be healthy to perform operas and be with their families.
Many opera singers learn how to meditate and have personal spiritual journeys, which keeps them vital for a long time.
Diet
There’s also a healthy diet component to opera. With this in mind, opera singers might be a bit bigger.
After all, there are so many extra calories in food, but there are ways to do it right. Studies have shown that opera singers do often eat a lot more healthy food than non-opera singers.
Emphasis on vocal training
The teaching of opera singers is very different from other genres of music. This emphasis helps singers learn how to become more articulate and sing with their mouth more often than their chest.
That’s part of the reason why opera singers tend to be a bit larger.
Is weight training or cardio important for an opera singer?
Weight training does help opera singers strengthen their muscles. They may take weight training in some forms.
Some singers work with exercise bands, bands, or other devices to exercise their upper body.
However, the best weight training exercise that helps opera singers is lifting weights. Many women opera singers do weight training, even regularly.
Weight training helps singers maintain strength and build more endurance.
How to get started in weight lifting
Lifting weights is a good way to do weight training. Before beginning weight training, your muscles need time to become stronger.
People who lift weights generally lift heavier weights than those who don’t. Some people choose to start small and work their way up.
Of course, opera singers shouldn’t lift heavy weight right away. Weight training is about building muscle, and in the opera world, weight training needs to build endurance first.
Before you start, check with your doctor to see if it’s the right fit for you. In general, some weight training programs will say to start with weights that are a bit lighter than your body can handle.
Then, as you get more fit, you can start lifting heavier weights.
Where to find the right weights for you
You can buy exercise equipment at a fitness store. Many inexpensive gym machines are designed for weight training.
You can also purchase exercise machines that can be used at home. Some workout machines like ellipticals also have resistance to help singers with strength training.
There are also websites to help singers choose the right exercise machines. Or, many fitness equipment vendors can advise opera singers.
A sample weight routine to try
Here’s a sample weight routine to try. It’s designed to help you build strength and endurance with both exercises.
I’m using 90-pound dumbbells and a medicine ball. You can try this weight routine with any weights that you find at the gym or home.
Core strength
This exercise is simple to do at home. So, even if you’re new to weight training, you should be able to do it.
Lie on your back on the floor. Place the medicine ball between your feet.
Grab your weights. Use your arms to lift the weights as high as you can.
Stay in that position for 20 seconds. Take a deep breath in, and slowly lower the weights to the floor.
Arm circles
To work your core muscles, start with a bodyweight exercise. Place a medicine ball between your hands.
Place your feet hip-width apart. Put your hands on the floor and move your feet in a circle.
Go slowly at first.
Then, gradually increase the speed. The arm circles help build your upper body strength and endurance.
Tension leg raises
Use a machine called lat pull down machine. Lay down on the machine with your legs up.
Keep your knees in a comfortable position. Place your arms on the handles.
