Does Singing Burn Calories

Singing may not seem like a physical activity, but it does more than just produce sound. It involves posture, breath control, muscle engagement, and mental focus, all of which require energy. So yes, singing does burn calories, although how many depends on how you sing, for how long, and what kind of effort you put into it. While it’s not a substitute for a full workout, it can make a small but interesting contribution to your daily energy burn.

How Singing Uses Energy

When you sing, your body engages the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, chest, and even your face and neck muscles. Controlled breathing and projecting your voice require effort, especially during long rehearsals or performances. Maintaining good posture, supporting your breath, and staying in tune takes focus and physical control, particularly for trained vocalists or choir singers who sing for extended periods.

Singing can also increase your heart rate slightly, particularly when combined with movement like during a musical performance or while singing and dancing on stage. In more relaxed settings, such as singing along in the car or shower, the energy burn is lower but still exists.

How Many Calories Does Singing Burn

On average, singing burns between 100 and 140 calories per hour when done standing up with good posture and consistent breath control. This number can go higher, up to 200 calories per hour if you're also moving, dancing, or performing on stage. If you’re seated and casually singing, such as during a rehearsal or while playing an instrument, the burn drops closer to 60 to 80 calories per hour.

The intensity of the singing matters. Belting out powerful vocals or practising complex pieces with focus and energy will use more calories than humming or softly singing in the background. Like any activity, the energy output increases with effort and engagement.

Does Singing Help With Weight Loss?

Singing alone is not an effective weight-loss strategy. While it does burn some calories, the rate is modest compared to more dynamic physical activities like walking, cycling, or strength training. That said, if you sing regularly, especially in an active setting like theatre, performance, or choir practice, it can contribute to your overall daily calorie burn and encourage a more active lifestyle.

In some cases, singing can also reduce stress, improve mood, and curb emotional eating, which indirectly supports weight management. The positive mental health benefits of singing shouldn't be underestimated when it comes to long-term health habits.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Singing

Singing improves lung capacity, breathing control, and posture, which can all support a healthier body over time. It also engages the brain, boosting memory, coordination, and emotional expression. Studies have shown that singing in groups, like choirs, can reduce feelings of isolation and increase wellbeing, which are important for maintaining a consistent and positive health routine.

The deep breathing involved in singing can help calm the nervous system, similar to meditation or yoga. So, while the calorie burn may be small, the wider health impact is far-reaching and well worth embracing.

Singing While Moving

If you want to boost the calorie-burning power of singing, try combining it with movement. Singing while walking, doing housework, or dancing significantly increases energy expenditure. Performers who sing on stage or in musicals can easily burn 300 to 500 calories per hour during rehearsals or shows due to the combination of vocals and choreography.

Even singing while tidying up or walking around your house adds movement to your day, helping you stay active without needing a gym session.

Summary

Singing does burn calories, usually between 100 and 200 per hour, depending on how active and intense the singing is. While it’s not a major calorie-burning activity on its own, it can still contribute to your overall daily movement—especially when combined with performance, dancing, or walking. More importantly, singing supports physical and mental wellbeing through breath control, posture, and emotional release. So, while it won’t replace your workout, it’s a great way to stay engaged, feel good, and keep your body moving.