Question:
I did a lot of upper body exercises like sit ups, push-ups and v-man. After that my neck, especially around my voice box, felt very tight. The next day, the area around my voice box still continues to hurt. Can you give me some advice?
Answer:
Often when we do strenuous exercise we hold the breath and grip the voice, as though we are going to grunt. This can stabilize the torso and contribute to temporary strength. Unfortunately, it can also put a lot of pressure on the voice and the neck muscles. You need to release the muscles that would make you grunt or grip your throat while you exercise, and the best way to do that is to keep your breathing liberated and steady, never held. You need to learn to expand the rib cage to breathe even while you work the abdominals. Try to release the hinge of your jaw and the tongue as well.