Work out by doing what you love best: making music.
I recently came across a workout called POUND, which is billed as “the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing, and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums.” It takes place in Crunch gyms and other venues across the country.
POUND incorporates proprietary Ripstix, “lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising,” into pilates, yoga, and high-intensity cardio combinations for a drummer-inspired workout. The class doesn’t use music as aerobics classes typically do. Instead you and the rest of the group produce the beat. However, some classes may incorporate additional music since every instructor is different.
The founders Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom based their workout style on their “mutual love of drumming and music.”
More and more classes are using pilates and yoga influences to create a tapestry of movement for a total body workout. I tend to enjoy these types of workouts because you often forget that you are, in fact, getting a workout. You’re having fun, and you need to concentrate on something, whether that’s standing on one leg or playing a drumming combination. Additionally, light weights added to any workout are great, especially in order to get back into shape after a break.
The drumming will be the easy part for most percussionists. I think it’s always nice to take a workout class where something is familiar—maybe the music or speed is different, but if the movements are similar to those in a previous class, you will feel more accomplished. At the end of the day, it is those tiny, isometric movements that truly end up doing the most work.
POUND has DVDs for sale on its website. However, if you live near a Crunch or other host venue, try going to a class in person. Getting the proper alignment from an instructor is the ideal scenario, but a DVD workout at home is better than no workout at all!
I also love the POUND philosophy! It’s a bit touchy-feely, but the group dynamic of this workout-fueled drum circle is what makes it appeal to a different set of people than all the other workouts that are already available.
For more information about this workout, go to poundfit.com.
The POUND Philosophy
- WE BELIEVE in the power of music and the freedom of rocking out.
- WE SUPPORT unleashing aggression, discovering new talents, and awaking new senses.
- WE ENCOURAGE sampling new forms of movement, uncovering new rhythms, and tapping into new ways of listening.
- WE PROMOTE camaraderie, friendship, and bonding.
- WE BELIEVE in loving our bodies while improving them.
- WE BELIEVE in handing you the permission to Rock!
