A new group fitness routine inspired by drumming is taking Central Alberta by storm.
With classes taking place in Sylvan Lake, Lacombe and Red Deer - Pound is a workout sure to leave you with your heart rate up and a smile on your face.
Pound, described by creators as “the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums.”
Using Ripstix, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, Pound transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.
Organizers explained that instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout which combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements.
“Designed for all fitness levels, Pound provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out,” according to Pound’s website. “The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to men and women of all ages and abilities.”
Local Pound instructor, Melissa Thompson, said a single class of Pound can burn up to 900 calories per hour while strengthening and sculpting infrequently used muscles.
Thompson stated instead of counting reps or keeping track of the clock, Pound strategically distracts you from the high-intensity and duration of your workout, and shifts your focus to rhythm and volume. This strategic distraction is responsible for the “addictiveness” of Pound and becomes the reason you can’t stay away.
“When I brought Pound to Sylvan in June I knew it would be a hit because of the attitude people have here towards fitness,” said Thompson. “Sylvan Lake has an unbeatable fitness energy and people have responded really well to the classes.”
For Thompson it’s the energy of the classes that keep her instructing and coming back to the practice.
“It’s loud music and the rhythm of the sticks - I like the distraction of the sticks and you really just sink into the music,” said Thompson explaining each stick weighs a quarter pound. “It really works your core, your legs, your arms - really your whole body including cardio. Because you’re using the drums to hit all around it’s really a central 360 degree core workout.”
Through Pound, Thompson said she has not only made a host of life long friends, her own personal journey has led her to see a great deal of toning in her body. She added she is happier after each class and her life has changed for the better.
Pound was created by Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom who were both recreational drummers and former athletes. On their website, they explained they relied heavily on stability-based exercises like Pilates to keep their bodies aligned, symmetrical and lean, but were bored with routine and longed to reignite the fun in exercise. It wasn’t until they were forced to drum without a stool and squat over the drum kit that they realized drumming and exercise could be one and the same. What began as one class in Los Angeles in 2011 has now reached international acclaim with a network of over 7,000 instructors in 35 countries.
Pound is taught by Thompson at SPARC Dance Studio in Sylvan Lake located at 31 Cuendet Industrial Way. She added all you need to bring to this class is water, indoor shoes and a yoga mat while giving yourself permission to ‘rock out’.
Sign up takes place for a month at a time with pricing set at $10 a class. No drop in option is available with registered spots for January filling up quickly. To register for January’s Pound classes with Melissa visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MelissaPoundpage
Check out this video from Pound below: