From Rockstar to Zen Master: How to Properly Warm Down After a Performance: 7 Commandments

Congratulations, you’ve just finished your performance! The crowd roared with applause, your fellow performers gave you excited high fives, and you feel like a superstar.

Now, before you start doing victory dances like Amy Santiago, it’s important to give your body the proper care it needs. That’s right, it’s time to warm down. Yes, that’s a thing.

Warming down after a performance is just as important as warming up before it, though it is not often discussed with the emphasis it deserves.

For many, it might be the first time hearing about the concept. In essence, it helps your body recover from the intense physical activity and reduces the risk of injury. If you have observed me, you have noticed the stark change I go through just after stepping down from stage. It's all planned towards an effective warm down.

Singing should be treated like a full-body sport when done right and so a performer needs to warm down after every performance. Here are some of Eternalramblings’ favourite tips on how to warm down properly, with a little humour thrown in to keep things interesting:

1. Walk it out with your mouth shut

After an intense performance, the last thing you want to do is just flop down and call it a day. Instead, take a few minutes to walk around and cool down. Not only does this help you avoid cramping up, it also gives you a chance to bask in the adoration of your fans. If you are anything like me, you dance, jump and go crazy on the stage, it becomes extremely important to warm down in such cases.

2. Stretch it out, yes again!

Stretching is key to preventing injuries and keeping your muscles limber. And it’s not just something you do only before your performance. Start it really slow, and really feel your body and listen to what it needs. Don’t just go through the motions. And if you’re like one of my bandmates and have the flexibility of a rusty door hinge, don't be afraid to modify the stretches to suit your abilities. Your flexibility like all other things is a skill which improves over time with consistent effort.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Water is your best friend after a performance. You’ve just sweated out all the fluids in your body, and now it’s time to replenish them. So chug that water like it’s the last beverage on earth (just be careful not to overdo it and end up feeling like a water balloon). I usually carry around more water than my fellow bandmates combined and drink it at regular intervals, especially after an intense performance.

4. Meow like a cat: I can get you lessons with my cat Yoshi if needed

So, after a singing performance, it's time to let your inner feline shine through. Meowing like a cat is a great way to cool down your vocal cords in a fun and silly way. Meowing should be part of your warmups too, it is that effective. It serves more purposes than just warm up but we’ll discuss that later in a future article. Done after your performance ‘meowing’ will help you release any tension in your throat, it's also a great way to amuse your fellow performers and fans, while at the same time leaving them completely smitten by you.

5. Do the "Jazz Hands": Joey wasn’t dumb all the time

Singing can be a physically demanding activity, and it's common to experience tension in your hands and arms after a performance. If you don’t, then attend one of KAPOW!’s performances and you’ll know what I mean. Now, to help release this tension and cool down, try doing the "Jazz Hands". Shake your hands and fingers in a fun and exaggerated way, while also stretching out your arms and rotating your shoulders or watch Friends S3E12: The one with all the jealousy, for a detailed tutorial. Not only will it help your body relax, it's also a great opportunity to channel your inner Broadway star and add a touch of theatrics to your post-performance cool-down routine. Always do it in style!

6. Treat yo' self: You did well

You’ve just put on a killer performance, and now it’s time to reward yourself. Treat yourself to a massage or a hot bath to soothe those tired muscles. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, indulge in a luxurious spa day. You deserve it! Just don’t burn a hole in that pocket.

Just make sure it's not Dunsten from 'Dunsten Checks in' giving you a massage! Watch it if you haven't.

7. Celebrate with a snack

You know what they say: “A performance a day keeps the doctor away.” Okay, maybe no one says that except me, but it’s important to fuel your body with healthy snacks. Try munching on some fruit, nuts, or protein bars to give yourself a much-needed energy boost. Avoid anything with too much sugar though. And if you’re feeling daring, go ahead and indulge in that post-performance cheeseburger. Though I’ll always go for something lighter to avoid the nausea that comes with the adrenaline rush.

So there you have it, my minions: 7 powerful tips on how to effectively warm down after a performance. Remember, taking care of your body is just as important as putting on a killer show. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be so famous that someone else will be warming you down! Wink wink!