Acquire: Chasing the Arch

It seems the more I chase dynamic alignment for voice, the more I end up working on my feet.

Case in point, I am working on a singing project that has specific technical challenges. I have been finding that my breath efficiency was lacking when I really needed it to be onboard. So, I started to work through the body looking for the issue. This led me to a podiatrist and a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Huh.

With all of the time that I spend teaching and working on alignment I had made a classic mistake. Ignoring the base or in this case, the arch of the foot.

So today I'd like you to get to the bottom of it all, your structure I mean, and check your feet.

Do they hurt? Do they articulate well? If the answer is no, do not ignore this as it will work its way up into other systems. In not, you can still support yourself with a maintenance plan.

Try this exercise: Place a thin towel on a smooth floor. Sit down and with your bare feet parallel try to scrunch the towel, arching your feet. Release. This should feel like work but not cause you pain. Do 2 sets of 15 reps. Remember to inhale on the release and exhale on the contraction. You can even use the time to practice your tongue twisters or elevator pitch.

Just a little foot care can save you from having to fix something else in the system further down the line. Now, I have to get back to my PT exercises, sigh.