When we re nervous, Joseph explained, many people breathe shallowly. She remembers feeling lightheaded and dizzy before performances. When you re nervous, she says, remember to breathe deeply. Breathing fills the body and the muscles with oxygen. Muscles that are overused, fatigued, and underconditioned are more tense and require more work for a demanding task.
Untoned muscles are less resilient and more injury-prone.
Here are just a few of Joseph s recommended stretches. All should be done slowly. Shrug shoulders up and down. Pinch shoulder blades together. Clasp hands behind you at hips and gently raise arms, pulling shoulders back.