Cardio Drumming: A Fun and Effective Workout

ST. GEORGE – When 62-year-old Crystal McElyea heads to her exercise class, she packs the essentials: a water bottle and a set of drumsticks.

McElyea has been attending her local cardio drumming class, Babes with Drums, owned by St.George local Karrie Hennigar, for five years. She said she has always been an avid exerciser, but cardio drumming is unlike any workout she’s ever done.

“The workout isn’t grueling, and you can go at your own pace, but it makes me feel stronger,” she said.”I feel stronger in my arms, legs, shoulders – everything. You don’t even know you’re working out. You’re just playing!”

Cardio drumming is an exercise that uses a large, inflatable fitness ball that is placed in a bucket. Participants follow an instructor who leads them in a choreographed routine to upbeat music, integrating squats, lunges and a wide variety of moves – all while drumming on a ball with drumsticks.

“When I tell people I’m going to my drumming class, they think that I’m using snare drums, bass drums and a drum kit,” McElyea said. “I will often invite my friends to come with me, and we all have a good time. … I’m not a dancer, but I can do this.”

Cardio drumming isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s been around for decades, according to various sources. It gained popularity in the 1990s and has seen a resurgence in recent years as people seek fun and engaging ways to stay fit.

hennigar said she discovered cardio drumming while looking for a new way to exercise after having children. She quickly fell in love with the workout and decided to become an instructor.

“it’s a full-body workout that’s low-impact, so it’s easy on the joints,” Hennigar said. “It’s also a great stress reliever. When you’re drumming, you’re releasing endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.”

A typical cardio drumming class lasts about 45-60 minutes and can burn between 300-500 calories,depending on the intensity.The workout targets all major muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health, coordination and rhythm.

McElyea said she appreciates that cardio drumming is a workout she can do with people of all ages and fitness levels. Her class includes participants ranging in age from 20s to 70s.

“It’s just a really fun way to get exercise,” McElyea said. “I look forward to it every week.”

Key Takeaways

• Cardio drumming is a full-body, low-impact workout.
• It combines exercise with the fun of drumming to upbeat music.
• The workout improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and rhythm.
• It’s adaptable for all fitness levels and ages.
• Cardio drumming is a great stress reliever and mood booster.