Drums Alive Fitness Program: A Fun Way to Workout and Get Fit

Drums Alive started in Germany and is making it's way across the country. If you like to exercise to powerful music and want a good workout that's anything but boring, check out Drums Alive. I learned of Drums Alive when it made its way to Minnesota. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Drums Alive class at the YMCA in St. Paul. And what a jam session, as well as a healthy workout, it was! My heart rate zoomed, and I burned calories better than my treadmill program - and it was a lot more fun. The time flew, and I didn't glance at the clock at all.

With a pair of drumsticks and an improvised set of drums comprised of exercise or stability balls sitting atop step risers, the jamming began. Led by a class instructor, we were taught to either sit on an exercise ball or stand and tap or drum one or more exercise balls to the beat of the music, which was wild. The powerful beat and pulsating rhythms of the music was enough to start my heart pumping before the actual workout even began. The footwork, dipping, stretching and reaching quickly got us going. And then there was the laughter when some of us repeatedly missed the beat of the music.

When I finally got the hang of it, with much help from the patient instructor, I could tap, turn, reach and dip with the best of them.

By the time the 40-minute class was over, I could tell that my abs, arms, thighs and back had been well exercised. I had a heart rate well into my target zone, not to mention that I had a wonderful time.

What impressed me about Drums Alive was not only the music and the new approach to exercise, but virtually anyone can participate in a Drums Alive workout. The class I attended was for beginners and used Drums Alive music especially for beginners. According to the Drums Alive website, there are the "Golden Beats" for seniors, the "Power Beats" for more hard core aerobic exercisers, "Kids Beats" for the younger folks and "Wellness Beats" said to consist of tribal rhythms and moves designed for stress release and overall balance.

Although there isn't a Drums Alive program in my small hometown, the music can be purchased online. Also, the National Exercise Trainers Association is holding workshops for anyone interested in becoming an instructor. I'm a believer in the Drums Alive fitness program and will be providing our local fitness center with the training information in hopes they might ad a class to their aerobics program.

Resource:

Drums Alive website; http://www.drums-alive.com/index_eng.php