Singing is more physically demanding than most people expect. It engages your diaphragm, core, posture muscles, and breath control. Because of that, singing does burn calories, sometimes even as much as light exercise.
Does singing actually burn calories?
Yes. According to insights shared by the team behind Singing Success, singing uses significantly more energy than speaking because you activate breath support and maintain posture.
Average calorie burn:
- Light singing: 100–140 calories per hour
- Moderate singing: 150–200 calories per hour
- Energetic or performance-style singing: 220–280 calories per hour
That puts singing in the same range as a slow walk or gentle dance session.
How many calories do 30 minutes of singing burn?
Around 50 to 110 calories, depending on intensity, whether you sing standing up, and how expressive you are.
This makes singing a useful low-impact activity for people who want to stay active without high strain.
Can singing help with weight loss?
Singing alone won’t replace structured workouts, but it can support weight loss by:
increasing total daily calorie burn
improving posture and breathing efficiency
reducing stress, which may help regulate appetite
Vocal wellness coaches such as those behind the Cheryl Porter Method emphasize these broader health benefits.
Does karaoke burn more calories than regular singing?
Often, yes. Karaoke usually includes:
- standing
- laughing and interacting
- expressive singing
- occasional dancing
This can push calorie burn past 200 calories per hour.
If you enjoy karaoke, you may like our guide to the top karaoke songs for females.
Is singing considered a workout?
Singing qualifies as light exercise when done with proper breath support. You engage your core, back, and intercostal muscles, and your heart rate often rises slightly, similar to yoga or slow-paced movement.
Does talking burn calories too?
Talking burns calories, but far fewer than singing. Speech uses minimal breath control, while singing activates multiple muscle groups at once.
Quick comparison: calories burned per hour
| Activity | Calories Burned |
|---|---|
| Sitting and singing softly | 80–120 |
| Singing standing | 150–200 |
| Karaoke with movement | 200–280+ |
| Talking normally | 50–70 |
More benefits of singing
Alongside calorie burn, singing can improve mood, lower stress, and support lung function. These wellbeing effects are highlighted by health organizations such as the Ochsner Health Blog.
Why singing is an underrated way to stay active
Singing isn’t a replacement for exercise, but it is a surprisingly effective way to burn calories, strengthen your core, and boost your overall wellbeing. All while doing something you actually enjoy.
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