Rod Stewart Maintains Vocal Fitness

The Sinatra Sanction: Can Underwater Workouts Keep a Legend’s Voice Golden?

Frank Sinatra famously utilized pool sessions to improve his vocal abilities. Decades later, Sir Rod Stewart appears to be adopting a comparable strategy, and scientists now suggest this particular method may hold legitimate value. At eighty, Stewart remains a formidable presence on the world stage, captivating audiences with his distinctively raspy voice and inexhaustible energy. He recently affirmed that swimming, alongside running and football, is a cornerstone of his quest for perpetual youth and vocal endurance. This commitment is not merely for show; it is a vital part of his preparation for a demanding international schedule.

The performer has a booking for the prestigious legends spot at Glastonbury. His touring schedule is also packed, with his engagements in America and Europe adding up to over forty performances this year. To maintain his voice in peak condition, he has integrated underwater workouts into his fitness program. He describes a specific, challenging drill: his trainer drops a brick into the swimming pool, and his task involves diving down, propelling the heavy object to the far end of the pool, and then surfacing for air. This unconventional practice, he explains, comes from the highest authority.

Stewart attributes this recommendation directly to Sinatra. The iconic entertainer apparently informed him that the essential element for becoming a superior vocalist is possessing formidable lungs. Sinatra’s explicit advice was to engage in extensive submerged swimming exercises that require one to hold their breath. This historical anecdote bridges two eras of popular music, linking two legendary vocalists through a shared, unorthodox training philosophy. Now, scientific inquiry is starting to explore the potential physiological truths behind this poolside wisdom, examining how such exercises might genuinely contribute to maintaining a singer's most precious asset.

The Science of Breath and Song

Dr Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, holding the research chair at the British Voice Association, explains that our respiratory system is among the primary functions that deteriorates with age-related developments. This deterioration can cause difficulties, such as an inability to hold enough air for lengthy melodic lines. Her research, particularly focusing on mature female singers, indicates that while hormonal shifts play a role, a decline is not inevitable. Targeted vocal pedagogy can significantly improve or maintain respiratory function and vocal agility over time. Moseley-Morgan suggests any form of cardiovascular activity, including swimming, can help preserve this crucial function. She added that specific breathing management practices can also be beneficial.

The director of the speech and voice physiology lab at New York Medical College, Professor Monica McHenry, commented on the topic. She proposed that submerged swimming could enhance a person's ability to retain their breath. This tolerance might help them manage the oxygen decrease that happens during singing, possibly allowing for longer phrases or sustained notes. Essentially, holding one's breath during exercise trains the body's response to air deprivation, a state analogous to what singers experience during a demanding performance.

She clarified that while holding your breath will not increase your air capacity, it will help you feel less winded as you perform the action. This sentiment is echoed in studies on "Singing for Lung Health," which integrate breathing exercises to support breath control, demonstrating a clear link between respiratory training and vocal performance. It is this learned control and physiological adaptation, rather than sheer lung size, that may be the true benefit of Sinatra and Stewart's aquatic workouts.

The Broader Benefits of Aquatic Exercise

Swimming offers a host of advantages that extend beyond potential vocal enhancements, making it an especially suitable activity for older, active individuals like Rod Stewart. From Imperial College London, Dr Keir Philip, a specialist in respiratory medicine, remarked that swimming is a superb form of low-impact exercise. This is particularly beneficial for those who have undergone joint replacements, as Stewart has with his knee. The water's buoyancy supports the body, reducing stress on joints and muscles while still providing an effective cardiovascular workout and building muscle strength. This minimises the risk of injury, a significant concern for older adults wishing to maintain their fitness.

The Fitness Behind Rod Stewarts Voice

Furthermore, Dr Philip remarked that both professional vocalists and swimmers demonstrate superior lung function compared to the general population. They exhibit greater lung volumes and more powerful breathing muscles. While this could be a matter of correlation—people with naturally better lungs may be more drawn to these activities—it is also plausible that the activities themselves boost pulmonary capabilities. Consequently, the act of swimming could directly contribute to the respiratory strength that is so vital for a singer. His research into arts-in-health interventions, such as singing programmes for long-COVID patients, has shown that structured breathing can improve quality of life, underscoring the connection between controlled respiration and overall wellbeing.

The demands of a live performance are not limited to vocal control. Philip observed that Stewart is a highly energetic entertainer, which requires more than just breath management. It involves cardiovascular health, power, endurance, and the agility necessary for a performer. Swimming is a holistic activity that addresses all these areas. He further commented that if both Rod Stewart and Frank Sinatra believe the technique assisted them, then it likely did. Philip believes their direct experiences and know-how are valuable for a subject that currently lacks extensive, randomized controlled studies. Their success itself becomes a compelling, albeit not scientifically rigorous, argument for the method.

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A Legacy of Lifelong Fitness

Rod Stewart's commitment to his underwater regimen is not an isolated quirk but part of a comprehensive and lifelong dedication to physical fitness. His enduring energy on stage is fuelled by a disciplined routine that has evolved over decades. For most of his life, Stewart was an avid soccer player, a passion that undoubtedly built a strong foundation of cardiovascular health and stamina. Although undergoing a knee replacement has curtailed his time on the pitch, he has seamlessly transitioned to other forms of rigorous exercise to maintain his peak condition. His consistent work with a personal trainer, the same individual for nearly four decades, speaks volumes about his serious and structured approach to physical wellbeing.

Rod Stewarts Secret To A Lasting Career

This dedication is not confined to his aquatic sessions or gym workouts. At his expansive estate, Stewart has installed a private running track where he is concentrating on his velocity. Now in his ninth decade, he is not merely jogging; he is sprinting, specifically training for the 100-metres. He has expressed a remarkable ambition, a time he believes would establish a global benchmark for an individual of eighty. By mastering his starting push-off, he has already managed to significantly lower his time, demonstrating a competitive drive that belies his age. This pursuit of athletic excellence is part of the same mindset that drives his demanding performance schedule.

This relentless pursuit of fitness directly serves his career. Moseley-Morgan offered her professional view, suggesting that Stewart is likely experiencing the consequences of aging and is, in her judgment, wisely taking action to address them. She emphasized that breath provides the energy for the voice, making singing impossible without it. By maintaining his entire body as a finely-tuned instrument through varied and intense exercise, Stewart ensures he has the physical power required to support his iconic voice through gruelling, high-energy concerts.

The Vocalist as an Athlete

The modern understanding of what it takes to be an elite performer aligns closely with the principles of sports science. A professional singer embarking on a world tour faces physical demands comparable to those of an athlete. Maintaining vocal health through such a schedule requires more than just natural talent; it requires a disciplined regimen of training, rest, and recovery. This is why many vocal professionals now consider themselves "vocal athletes." The instrument is the entire body, and its conditioning is paramount. Aerobic fitness is crucial, as breathing is the engine of good singing and speaking. A strong cardiovascular system ensures efficient oxygen delivery and stamina for long performances.

Essential practices for vocal preservation include dedicated warm-ups and cool-downs. Just as a sprinter would never run without stretching, a singer should not perform without preparing the vocal muscles. Another non-negotiable pillar of vocal care is hydration. The vocal folds require ample lubrication from water to vibrate efficiently and without strain. Experts recommend avoiding substances like alcohol, caffeine, and menthol, which can have a dehydrating effect on the throat. Taking periods of "vocal rest," especially after strenuous use, is also critical for allowing the delicate tissues to repair.

The environment also plays a significant role. Dry air, smoke, and other irritants can negatively impact the voice, making humidifiers a useful tool for singers. Furthermore, adequate sleep is fundamental for physical and vocal recovery. By adopting this holistic, athletic approach—viewing the voice not as an isolated entity but as the product of overall physical health and disciplined practice—performers like Rod Stewart can sustain their careers and deliver powerful performances well into their later years, defying conventional expectations of what it means to be an ageing rock star.

Alternative Techniques and Divergent Views

While the aquatic methods of Sinatra and Stewart are compelling, they are not universally endorsed within the singing community. Different artists find success with varied techniques, emphasizing that there is no single path to vocal excellence. A well-known Sinatra tribute artist, David Alacey, shared his experience. He stated that he attempted the underwater technique, but it was ineffective for him because he felt it took away from the main purpose of singing. Instead, he found that concentrating on strengthening and controlling the diaphragm proved to be a much more productive method for his own vocal production.

This highlights a more traditional school of thought in vocal training, which prioritizes the diaphragm as the central muscle for breath support. Proponents of this approach teach singers to breathe deeply from their core, using the abdominal muscles to control the exhalation of air in a steady, efficient stream. This technique is designed to provide power and stability to the voice without creating tension in the throat or chest. Alacey’s experience suggests that for some, direct work on the mechanics of diaphragmatic breathing yields better results than the indirect conditioning provided by general cardiovascular exercise like swimming.

Intriguingly, Alacey also reveals another of Sinatra's vocal strategies, a subtle "cheat" that speaks to the Chairman of the Board's immense technical craft. Sinatra apparently developed a method where he would snatch an additional breath from the side of his mouth while in the middle of a song. This trick, almost invisible to the audience, allowed him to sustain his famously long, seamless vocal lines, a key element of his legendary phrasing which was inspired by the circular breathing of trombonists like Tommy Dorsey. This combination of raw physical conditioning, focused diaphragm work, and clever stagecraft paints a more complete picture of Sinatra's vocal mastery.

The Dangers of the Deep: A Word of Caution

The allure of unconventional training methods, especially those endorsed by legends, can be strong. However, experts strongly caution the public against casually adopting such practices. Philip advises caution, recommending that the general populace should speak with a physician before attempting submerged swimming and breath-holding. These exercises are not suitable for everyone and could be particularly dangerous for individuals with certain underlying health conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory issues. The potential risks associated with what is known as dangerous underwater breath-holding behaviour (DUBB) are severe.

The practice, often called hypoxic training, involves deliberately depriving the body of oxygen. This can lead to a condition known as shallow water blackout, where a person loses consciousness underwater without warning. This happens because intentionally hyperventilating before submerging can trick the body. Hyperventilation expels carbon dioxide (CO2), and since the body’s primary trigger to breathe is rising CO2 levels, not falling oxygen levels, a swimmer can deplete their oxygen to a critical point before ever feeling the urge to surface. If consciousness is lost, the result is often fatal drowning.

Because of these dangers, many public swimming facilities and national safety organizations explicitly prohibit prolonged underwater breath-holding. Lifeguards are trained to intervene if they see a swimmer submerged for too long, and they are advised not to agree to specially monitor individuals engaged in breath-holding challenges. The American Red Cross identifies the practice as "potentially dangerous" and "risky." While a vocal athlete like Rod Stewart may perform these drills under the long-term supervision of a professional trainer, it is not a technique to be attempted without expert guidance and a full understanding of the potentially lethal risks involved.

Practical Steps for Lifelong Vocal Health

For those wishing to enhance their own vocal longevity, there are many safe and proven methods that do not involve pushing bricks along the bottom of a pool. The foundation of good vocal health is surprisingly simple and accessible to all. As previously mentioned, hydration is paramount. Drinking enough water during the day is among the most effective actions one can take to ensure the vocal mechanism functions optimally. Equally important is protecting the voice from irritants. This means actively avoiding environments with smoke, allergens, and other airborne pollutants that can cause inflammation and damage.

Lifestyle choices play a huge role. Prioritising sleep allows the body and the vocal cords to rest and repair. A balanced diet supports overall health, which is reflected in the voice. Regular exercise, particularly low-impact cardiovascular activities like walking, cycling, or yoga, improves respiratory function and stamina without placing undue stress on the body. These activities enhance the body's ability to manage breath, which is the cornerstone of all vocal production. They also contribute to mental wellbeing, reducing the stress and anxiety that can negatively affect the voice.

Finally, a structured approach to vocal use is key. Always warm up before singing and cool down afterwards. Be mindful of vocal load; avoid shouting or speaking for long periods in noisy environments where you have to strain to be heard. Taking regular "vocal naps" or periods of silence can be incredibly restorative. For those serious about improving, working with a qualified vocal coach can provide personalised guidance on technique, posture, and breath management. By focusing on these sustainable and safe practices, anyone can work towards maintaining a healthy and functional voice for life.