Does Singing Burn Calories? Your Voice Might Be Burning More Than You Think

Let me tell you something, baby. When you sing with your full heart, your whole body joins the party. And yes, that energy you’re pouring out? It’s doing more than just blessing ears. It’s burning calories too. You’re working that breath, standing tall, keeping that core tight, and lifting spirits all at the same time. That is not just singing. That is vocal fitness.

Now let’s break it down like we’re in rehearsal.

What Really Happens When You Sing?

You’re not just moving your mouth. Singing lights up your diaphragm, ribs, lungs, and posture. It’s full-body coordination. According to experts, a 150-pound singer can burn around 100 calories per hour sitting, and up to 140 when standing. If you’re around 200 pounds, that number can go up to 180. And when you add movement like stepping, dancing, or lifting those arms, the calorie burn jumps by 40 percent or more.

So if you’re standing up belting like you’re on tour with Beyoncé, honey, trust me, you’re burning.

What Makes Singing Burn More?

Here’s what turns your singing session into a calorie-burning groove:

• Your weight
  Heavier bodies naturally burn more energy while singing.
  
• Your style
  Ballads burn less than powerhouse musical theatre or gospel songs that take breath, emotion, and big sound.
  
• Your posture
  Standing tall, engaging your core, and breathing deep? That’s work.
  
• Your duration
  Singing for ten minutes? Light burn. Singing for an hour like it’s your concert debut? That’s effort.
  
• Your movement
  Add some dance moves or hand gestures and your voice just became a cardio workout.
  

Why Singing Is Good for More Than Just Burning Calories

Now listen up. Singing might not be your weight-loss plan, but it’s a health booster in so many ways:

• Stronger lungs and diaphragm
  Consistent vocal training increases your lung capacity and breath control.
  
• Heart health
  Singing mimics aerobic movement. Your heart works a little harder in the best way.
  
• Better mood and lower stress
  Group singing, karaoke, even solo sessions at home can release feel-good hormones and melt stress away.
  
• Boosted metabolism
  All that breath support and muscular engagement helps your body burn energy even at rest.
  

Singing vs Other Activities: How Does It Compare?

Here’s how singing stacks up next to some common low-impact activities:

Activity	Calories Burned per Hour
Singing (standing)	140 to 180
Light housework	150 to 200
Brisk walking	240 to 350
Singing with movement	200 to 250

No, it’s not a gym session. But it’s doing its thing. And when you add movement or pair it with light chores, you’re working toward a healthier body while living your best life.

How to Boost Your Burn While Singing

Let’s turn your daily warm-up into a whole-body experience:

1. Stand, don’t sit
   Your burn increases the second you get on your feet.
   
2. Add intentional movement
   Sway, step, gesture, or throw in a full routine. Get theatrical.
   
3. Combine singing with activity
   Sing while walking, doing laundry, or even while cooking dinner.
   
4. Choose the right music
   Big vocal genres like gospel, opera, and musical theatre get you working harder than slow pop.
   
5. Warm up like you mean it
   Stretch, roll your shoulders, activate your core. A pre-singing body warm-up keeps your energy high and your voice ready.
   
6. Track your progress
   Use a simple formula:
   Calories = (minutes ÷ 60) × 136 × (weight ÷ 150)
   Small steps add up.
   

What About On-Stage Performances?

Did you know performers on stage can burn 500 to 600 calories per hour? That’s what Brett Eldredge shared after tracking his live shows. With movement, lights, emotion, and breath control, that stage is a full-blown workout.

FAQ – Let Me Break It Down for You

Does singing help with weight loss?
Not by itself, baby. But it helps support your goals by keeping you active and boosting your respiratory system.

How many calories can I burn in 30 minutes of singing?
Around 50 to 90 depending on your intensity, posture, and body weight.

Does moving help while singing?
Oh yes. Movement increases your calorie burn and gives your performance more life.

Can singing strengthen my lungs?
Yes it can. The more you sing, the stronger your lungs and diaphragm become. That’s vocal power.

What’s the best way to make singing more active?
Mix singing with walking, cleaning, or stretching. Get your whole body into it.

Final Thoughts from Mama Cheryl

Baby, your voice is a gift. And when you sing with your whole body, you’re not just making music. You’re making health moves. Singing helps you breathe deeper, move freer, and feel stronger. Whether you’re seated at a piano or dancing through your hallway with a hairbrush mic, your body is getting love from the inside out.

Make singing part of your daily rhythm. Let it lift your mood, strengthen your lungs, and burn a few calories while you’re at it. Keep your heart full, your breath steady, and your voice bold.

Want to train your voice and body like a pro?

Start with the Vocal Workouts for Singers. These exercises will get you breathing deeper, singing longer, and moving with purpose.

Ready for the full transformation? Dive into Mama Cheryl’s Big Bundle to build your technique, stamina, and power from head to toe.

Let your voice do more than sing. Let it move your whole world.