Running to tell stories: how running boosts my voice as a professional voice-over artist.
02/05/2025
Professional Voice-Over for Active Running Cities (RFEA): How Running Improves Your Voice
When the RFEA (Royal Spanish Athletics Federation) asked me to be the voice for Active Running Cities, I knew it wasn't just another project. As a professional voice-over artist specialized in advertising and a runner for 25 years, this initiative represented the perfect fusion of my two great passions.
Running has been my voice's best ally. Greater lung capacity, better diaphragmatic control, and increased vocal endurance are just a few of the benefits this sport has given me. It’s no coincidence: voice is air in motion, and aerobic training optimizes exactly that.
As a Spanish voice-over artist, I’ve always believed that our main tool is also trained outside the studio. Running has given me that extra boost of energy and projection that makes a difference in front of the microphone, especially in dynamic pieces like this promo for the RFEA (Royal Spanish Athletics Federation).
Let me tell you:
THE TECHNIQUE: HOW RUNNING OPTIMIZES YOUR VOICE through GREATER LUNG CAPACITY
1. Running increases your VO2 max (maximum oxygen consumption).
Result: Greater stamina during long recording sessions without vocal fatigue (vital for voice-over marathons, such as audiobooks).
2. STRENGTHENED DIAPHRAGM = POWERFUL VOICE
Running requires constant diaphragmatic breathing (the same we use in professional voice-over). That's why, even though I'm petite, it turns out I have a powerful voice, as my Gospel director used to point out back when I was in the choir.
What’s the benefit? Better control of subglottic pressure (which prevents "breaks" in demanding vocal performances).
3. BRAIN OXYGENATION
Aerobic exercise improves circulation (including laryngeal muscles), and that is essential. Consequently, you achieve clearer diction and faster reaction to script changes. Ever wondered how Michael Jackson could do so many things with his voice? Easy: he was also in greaaat shape!
Active Running Cities promotes urban running as a tool for health and social cohesion. For me, it has been an honor to provide my voice to a project that, much like athletics, is about advancing, connecting, and inspiring.
Because in the end, both in running and in voice-over, consistency makes all the difference.
