Photo by Clare Brady
Pound, a new fitness craze popping up all over the country, gives you the ability to exercise like a rock star. And now, you can find it in St. Louis.
The idea was conceived in 2011 by California-based friends Kirsten Potenza and Christina Peerenboom. They were both attending a party and, after a couple drinks, decided to start jamming on a nearby drum set. The drums had no chair, so the friends had to squat and lunge while they were playing. They woke up sore the next day, which made them realize that they could turn the intensity and fun of drumming into a legitimate workout.
On a recent Saturday, I attended a Pound class at St. Louis Workout & Personal Training. When I arrived, I was handed two “Ripstix” by the class instructor, or "Pound Pro," who guided me through the basic moves.
The class is choreographed to popular music (think Madonna or Missy Elliot), and each song is curated to follow the arc of a workout. The class begins with a warmup, followed by leg work, core training, and then the carefully named “thighs and assets” section.
The workout combines cardio with strength and agility, and I left dripping in sweat. I was squatting and lunging the whole time, but so focused on banging those sticks. I could tell that my legs were tired, but it was so much fun that I didn't care. And I had to soak it in while I could—because this class is the closest I'll ever get to being a rock star.
It was a breeze to follow along—easier than some of the other choreographed classes I’ve taken. The moves were basic, and there were easier modifications for everything if needed. And the class participants were a mix of men and women, so it's a great opportunity for couples to exercise together.
Pound classes are available at gyms around St. Louis, including small neighborhood gyms as well as chains like Gold's Gym. We tried it at St. Louis Workout & Personal Training (245 Union).
