By adding singing to your workout, you breathe more deeply, take in more oxygen, improve your aerobic ability, and release muscle tension. Singing also tones abdominal intercostal muscles, and helps stimulate circulation. So next time you work out at home, pick your favorite tune and belt it out for a more effective total body workout.
- Bob Harper, personal trainer and fitness expert

Specifics Regarding the Cretin-Derham Hall Choir Program
The Choirs of Cretin-Derham Hall are focused on and dedicated to the natural development and use of the human voice.  Mr. Jacobson's philosophy of singing includes the belief that the vocal instrument is the entire body.  Some things we focus on and how that can benefit you

• Posture and balance - from the balls of your feet and your toes, through your calves, knees, and thighs we work on having a stable, flexible, and upright body. 
• Breathing - there is nothing more critical to singing (and life...) than good breathing.  We work on deep and efficient breathing.  Students experience improved breath control and lung capacity, as well as better cardiovascular function in the process.
• Core body - in achieving our breathing goals we exercise our core - particularly the diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominal muscles.
• Release of tension - our philosophy of singing depends on relaxation and release of muscle tension.  We focus particularly on the upper torso, shoulders and arms, neck, and jaw; but deal with the entire body as well.

How Singing Affects Your Body In General

• Gives the lungs a workout
• Good flow of oxygen to the blood system and brain
• Tones up intercostal muscle and the diaphragm
• Posture correction and back straightening
• Stomach and bladder strengthening
• Good exercise for abdominal muscles
• Great aid to communication and breathing
• Helps reduce the feelings of depression
• Neurological improvement
• Strengthens the immune system