Voice Aerobics® is a 3 part whole body voice strengthening program that couples voice practice with movement. Mary Spremulli, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist developed Voice Aerobics® in 1999 as an after therapy program for her patients with Parkinson’s disease who wanted voice exercises they could practice on their own at home.

The Voice Aerobics® program incorporates exercises which address some of the underlying motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including: muscle weakness and stiffness, hypophonia ( weak voice), rigidity of the facial and cervical muscles which may affect voice and facial expression, and rigidity in the vertebral and surrounding thoracic musculature, including the rib cage affecting respiration.

Regular use of the program allows individuals to benefit from motor learning principles of high repetition and simple cues.

The exercises can be done seated or standing, or for variety with weights or exercise bands. The program is well suited for persons with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders as well as healthy older adults wanting to improve the use of their voice.

Part 1 Breath Work: Posture, diaphragmatic breathing and upper body stretching is emphasized. “feel what it’s like to take a diaphragmatic breath”

Part 2 Power Up Your Voice: High effort voice exercises with movement. “exaggerate the movements”

Part 3 Cool Down With Good Vibrations: Resonant voice exercises for tone focus and relaxation. “Trust that your breath will support your voice”

Check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Learn more about the Voice Aerobics family of products by visiting our website: http://www.voiceaerobicsdvd.com/

Voice Aerobics® DVD © 2008 Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP