Engaging pelvic floor

When I try to bear down to engage my pelvic floor my abs tighten up and the sound becomes restricted what am I doing wrong 

thank you

Hi, George! It may be in the level/intensity of engagement. Our abdominal and pelvic floor engagement is very gentle and subtle. It should also vary according to the demands of what you're singing. Belting requires the most body engagement to help "resist" your air from "overblowing" the vocal folds. Also keep in mind that this gentle pressure is in a down + outward motion, not squeezing up + inward. 

Quick question do we keep the pelvic floor engaging when inhaling or is it only when we start a note 

Relax on your inhale! Engagement can happen right before you start a note (or at the same time).

do I have to engage my pelvic floor all the time when singing and when doing the hiss exercise

Hi, George! Engaging the pelvic floor is encouraged, but it's a bit of an advanced concept. Start with keeping the ribs elevated and feeling a gentle "down and out" feeling with the low abs first. 

Hi Camille I can't get my low abs to move outward only my belly back and ribs and when I exhale on a note my low abs go inward slightly but my belly comes out . I have no idea if that's right or not.

thank you 

That's great, George! I think it's helpful to remember what the goal is: a strong sound that is supported by your body (so your throat doesn't have to work as hard). Do you feel that's happening?

• Yes I do, thank you so much for the tips I think I'm finally getting the hang of it 

That's excellent! It's definitely a subtle feeling; probably one of the more difficult concepts to explain! Glad it's clicking for you, and please feel free to share any other tips or resources that are helping you.