Rod Stewart Takes the Plunge: How Underwater Swimming Could Be the Secret Behind His Powerful Voice…Read More…
At 80 years old, Sir Rod Stewart continues to defy expectations — not just with his ageless voice and electric stage presence, but now with an unconventional vocal training technique: underwater swimming.
The legendary British rocker, known for his raspy, soulful vocals and enduring charisma, has added a surprising routine to his lifestyle — diving beneath the surface and holding his breath. This aquatic pursuit, once considered just a pastime, may in fact be the secret behind his vocal strength, breath control, and ongoing musical vitality.
An Unlikely Vocal Workout
While preparing for his upcoming European tour, Stewart was spotted at a luxury spa resort on the coast of southern France, practicing extended underwater swims. Eyewitnesses claimed the singer spent up to an hour in the water, diving, swimming laps, and even performing vocal exercises beneath the surface.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said one guest at the resort. “He would take a deep breath, submerge himself, and hum or vocalize underwater. It wasn’t just swimming — it was like watching a man train for something deeper.”
According to sources close to Stewart, this isn’t a one-off fitness fad. He reportedly began incorporating underwater training into his routine two years ago, inspired by both yoga breathing techniques and freedivers’ lung capacity exercises.
“Rod’s always been adventurous,” said a longtime friend and former bandmate. “When he heard that underwater swimming could improve diaphragm control, boost lung capacity, and strengthen vocal delivery, he was all in.”
The Science Behind It
The link between breath control and vocal performance is well documented, but underwater training offers a unique twist. By holding the breath for extended periods while submerged, singers can develop stronger diaphragmatic breathing, better air conservation, and improved muscle coordination.
Vocal coach and physiologist Dr. Amelia Bennett elaborated: “Singing relies on the precise control of breath pressure and airflow. Underwater swimming pushes the body to use oxygen more efficiently and strengthens core respiratory muscles. It’s a challenging method, but for someone like Rod Stewart — who thrives on pushing boundaries — it makes sense.”
Dr. Bennett added that combining breath-hold exercises with vocal techniques could explain Stewart’s continued power and stability on stage, even at an age when most artists have slowed down or retired.
Fans Notice the Difference
Stewart’s recent performances seem to back the theory. At a sold-out show in Dublin last month, critics raved about the clarity and strength of his vocals. “There’s a depth and control in his voice that’s astounding for someone his age,” wrote The Guardian.
Fans have echoed similar sentiments online. “Rod sounds better now than he did ten years ago,” one fan tweeted after his performance in Barcelona. “Whatever he’s doing, it’s working.”
The Man Behind the Music
Rod Stewart, whose career spans over five decades with timeless hits like “Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Sailing,” has always been open to reinventing himself. From rock and roll rebel to suave crooner of the Great American Songbook, he’s embraced transformation — musically, personally, and now, physically.
Sources say Stewart began swimming regularly during the pandemic lockdowns, finding peace and mental clarity in the water. As his interest grew, he connected with a group of freedivers and yoga breathwork practitioners who introduced him to the concept of underwater vocal conditioning.
“He started doing small vocalizations while holding his breath,” said a close family member. “At first it was just humming, then scales, then full vocal warmups. The pool became his private studio.”
Stewart himself briefly commented during an interview earlier this year: “Swimming underwater helped me find a new rhythm with my voice. It’s like the water forces you to be precise and economical. It’s a bit strange, but it works for me.”
Looking Ahead
With his new European tour kicking off in July and a rumored studio album in the works, Stewart shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, this latest chapter reveals a man more determined than ever to evolve.
“Rod has always taken care of his voice,” said his manager. “But this underwater method has given him a whole new lease on his career. It’s not just about singing longer — it’s about singing smarter.”
Industry insiders are now wondering if other aging performers might take a cue from Stewart’s underwater regimen. Could we soon see vocalists trading vocal booths for swimming pools?
For now, Rod Stewart is content to swim in his own lane — literally and metaphorically. And if the past few years are any indication, fans can expect many more deep dives, both musically and physically, from the man whose voice refuses to sink with time.
“I’m not done yet,” Stewart famously said in a recent interview. “There’s still a lot of music in these lungs — and the water’s only made them stronger.”
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