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Heres What Experts Had to Say

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My latest trial run?

Its a bang out of workout I first heard about on TikTok.

woman sweating in the gym

cardio drumming instructor atDuke Health &

When I saw I could take a class in the next town over, I quickly registered online.

What is cardio drumming?

This fitness activity combines music, movement, and community.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Carrie Elkins created and founded the program in 2001.

Wanting to fast-track the healing process, she started drumming on cardboard boxes to get some movement in.

While drumming, she experienced a mood lift and increased heart ratelike she had from teaching fitness classes.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Thus, cardio drumming was born.

If you cant (or dont want to) move much, cardio drumming is an in-between option.

We do a little bit of full-body movement, but primarily its cardio from the upper body.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

cardio drumming instructor atDuke Health &

I can confirm: I felt light sweat dripping down my back about halfway through the class.

Both my arms and legs were thoroughly engaged in the movements.

Research affirms that easy exercise is still good for your brain and body.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

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What really surprised me, though, was how cardio drumming is aworkout for the mind.

And playing the drumswhile a few instruments short of an entire bandismusic.

The biggest reason why participants seem to go to these classes, though, is simply because theyre enjoyable.

I like to dance; I dont get to dance otherwise.

Another participant in the class felt similarly.

Its not like being a drummer, but its still fun.

And you know, I get exercise, too.

Am I Ringo Starr?

Am I dripping in sweat?

But maybe thats a good thing.

Sometimes, exercise just needs to be gentle movement, and movement-centered hobbies just need to be fun.

A sample cardio drumming workout

Cardio drumming is more than just hitting a ball.

We walked around the ball as we hit it.

We alternated between hitting our ball and our neighbors ball.

We drummed one side and then the other, switching back and forth often.

As a dancer, I even added a little hip action.

First, be mindful of how you hold the drumsticks.

You want to hold the sticks lightly; its not like drumming, Judd says.

Good posture practicesare important here, too.

Cardio drumming is a workout you’re able to do with a group fitness class locally.

The videos above are also great options if youd prefer to do the workout at home.

Cardio drumming equipment kits can easily be bought onlineon Amazon, for examplefor a little over $20.

As Im reflecting on my experience with the class, heres my take: Am I Ringo Starr?

Am I dripping in sweat?

But maybe thats a good thing.

Sometimes, exercise just needs to begentle movement, and movement-centered hobbies just need to be fun.

Tse, Andy C Y et al.

Effect of Low-intensity Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Health in Older Adults: a Systematic Review.Sports medicine openvol.

1,1 (2015): 37. doi:10.1186/s40798-015-0034-8

Rebecchini, Lavinia.

Music, mental health, and immunity.Brain, behavior, & immunity healthvol.

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