Fitness experts agree that the best exercise class for you is one that you actually look forward to attending. Guilt-tripping yourself all the way to a workout is bound to lead to burnout, so find something fun that gets your heart pumping–like cardio drumming.
This rhythmic group fitness workout might’ve popped up on your social media feed recently, showing participants drumming on stability balls or riffing on yoga mats while stepping and grooving to up-tempo tunes. One of the earliest exercise programs known to use this type of movement for a structured workout was Drums Alive in the early 2000s, which fitness professional Carrie Ekins developed after she suffered a hip injury. It allowed flexibility of movement during her recovery, and when she studied its impact, she discovered that the benefits go beyond what might be expected out of a cardio workout, given that it engages the brain and builds a sense of musicality.
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A newer iteration of the workout that you’re more likely to see around St. Louis is POUND, which eliminates the stability ball in exchange for air drums and bright green Ripstix. These specialized, lightly weighted drumsticks give a slight resistance to each swing and stroke, thereby creating just the right amount of instability to challenge the core and other muscles.
“Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements,” the POUND website states. “Designed for all fitness levels, POUND provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable, and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to rockstars of all ages and abilities.”
Leigh Rolnicki, a mom and the executive director of LoveU2Pieces, a St. Louis-based resource for those supporting loved ones with autism spectrum disorder, wrote about her experience with cardio drumming. She details how an instructor at The Stephen A. Orthwein Center at Paraquad led a group of kids through different drumming patterns and encouraged creativity, focus, perseverance, and other skills. “On a very basic level, I was reminded of two truths,” she writes. “One: music brings people together, and two: shared experiences are powerful.”
Paraquad continues to offer cardio-drumming classes as part of its group adaptive fitness programs and allows for a seated or standing workout.
Find POUND or cardio drumming in the metro area at the locations below. Expect the equipment to be provided, but don’t forget your own water bottle and a rockstar’s determination.
At the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, cardio-drumming classes include adaptability options for participants with various abilities and cognitive challenges.
Where: 5240 Oakland
Drop-in cost: $10
Certified POUND instructors Cindy Henry and Rissa Wagner regularly teach classes at Rebellion STL fitness studio for ages 16 and up, plus pop-up POUND classes elsewhere in the community. Look for special event details, like for the GLOW POUND & Pour social workout and POUND Out Rett! fundraising initiative, on Rebel & Roar’s social media.
Where: regularly at 3525 Hampton; pop-up classes announced at facebook.com/rebelandroar
Drop-in cost: $20 or $10 for most special events
With a membership, POUND classes are available for participants as young as 13.
Where: 12736 Southfork
Cost: Memberships start at $37 per month
