Getting Winded While Recording? How to Prevent It

There are times, for every voiceover artist, when recording must be paused, so he or she can take a breath or get a drink.  However, if you find that you are getting winded too often, it might be time to consider some changes to your routine.  There are some things that you can do that will help you avoid that desire to gasp for breath or that need to bend over to stop the winded, dizzy feeling.  Most of these tips have much more to do with your way of life than they do to things taking place in the recording studio.  That is simply a stark reminder of the fact that your voice in your instrument and it must always be cared for, even when you aren’t using it.

Exercise This is always the first tip given, but let’s be more specific.  All exercise can be beneficial for staying in shape and feeling healthier, but there are some that are better for voiceover artists than others.  Interval training, or any sort of exercise that involves spurts of intense cardio will improve endurance.  It will also help you avoid that winded feeling in the studio.

Drink Water is the best defense against the dreaded dryness that makes it harder to speak clearly.  Keeping your body hydrated will also keep your airways clearer, which means less gasping for air when speaking long sentences.

Breathe Smarter Not just in the studio, but often and on any given day, you should take time to focus on your breathing.  Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Take a few moments to calmly count your breaths and really focus on the air moving in- and out of your body.  This can help you regulate your breathing when you are finding it difficult to avoid that winded feeling.

See the Doctor Regularly If you are suddenly having more trouble catching your breath than you ever noticed in the past, it could be a sign of some sort of medical problem.  It is a good idea to consult a physician if you think you are getting too winded too often.  You should see your doctor on a regular basis anyway, because, as was said before, your voice is at the center of your livelihood and must be properly cared for.