Get fit drumming!

It’s Saturday morning at Pinesong Village, and the rhythmic drumming beats of Queen’s famous track ‘we will rock you’ are coming from the dining room, followed by a lot of laughter.

The Heartbeats are a lively group of 12 residents who, for the past two months, have been meeting weekly to participate in ‘cardio drumming’ – a unique fitness trend becoming increasingly popular among seniors.

Cardio drumming combines drumming with movement to music, creating a low-impact, medium intensity, and fun workout. All you need is a pair of drumsticks, a large exercise ball, and a lot of enthusiasm!

Pinesong receptionist, and The Heartbeats instructor, Kath Exeter has been cardio drumming for around five years, and says it is a total mind and body workout.

“The research I have done shows that cardio drumming may promote physical, emotional, and cognitive health. When you are drumming you are recalling rhythm and movement, allowing you to be creatively stimulated. It produces endorphins, lifting your mood.

“On the physical side - you don't actually realise that you are working out because you are having so much fun!”

Kath says cardio drumming is an activity anyone can participate in, regardless of fitness levels and drumming ability.

“It’s a form of exercise that is great for anyone. It can be performed seated or standing, making it incredibly inclusive and giving you the feeling of being connected to the group.”

Resident, Joan Perry has been part of The Heartbeats since the group’s inception and decided to take it up for some fitness and fun.

“I started because it was an exercise I could do sitting down, while still getting my heart rate up. It’s also great for coordination and testing your memory. We laugh a lot because we get out of step and miss beats, but you soon catch up and get back into the rhythm.”

Since starting cardio drumming, Kath says their Saturday mornings have taken on a whole new meaning.

“We can’t wait to get to class, it’s so different to most forms of exercise – it doesn’t become boring or tedious. We absolutely love it!”