Cardio drumming is a class for anyone, regardless of fitness ability. It can be done sitting or standing and is known to relive stress.
The Evergreens’ retirement community on Bridgeboro Road hosts a special wellness program once a week where residents drum along to music using sticks and exercise balls.
Cardio drumming is an activity that any resident of any fitness ability can do.
“I love the drumming,” said resident Maureen Pugh, who’s lived at The Evergreens for 18 months. “It’s so free form and it’s not something I’ve ever done before, so I just really enjoy the freedom of it and the music … I get to sing along.”
“It’s wonderful for people who have some cognitive issues, because you are paying attention to instructions and you’re learning your right from your left and going up and clicking your drumsticks and the ball, so coordination is important,” explained resident Barbara Varbalow, an Evergreens’ resident for six years.
What makes a cardio drumming session unique is the way it ends. Participants finish by taking part in a 20-second “stress reliever” where they drum on their exercise balls as fast and hard as they can while letting out a yell. The room is filled with noise, laughter and energy, and residents say it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the week.
Cardio drumming is a class that any resident of any fitness ability can do. It can be done sitting or standing and it’s primarily done with drumsticks to hit the exercise ball. It also raises heart rate and relieves stress, noted Theresa Callahan, fitness director at The Evergreens.
Callahan has been at the campus for seven years and has a master’s in clinical exercise physiology and a bachelor’s in exercise science, so the residents know she understands the science behind exercise and why it’s good for them.
“As we know, exercise in general is great to reduce stress, but this kind of gives a different spin on it,” Callahan pointed out, “because you get some aggression out, getting to hit the ball and it’s also a lot of fun as well. Some people don’t really enjoy exercise, but this cardio drumming class is different because it doesn’t feel like traditional exercise, but you’re still getting all the health benefits, you’re getting your heart rate up, you’re having fun, you’re getting the social engagement.
“So this class has been very popular for our residents.”
April is recognized as the month to bring national attention to the negative impact of stress.
“Because it’s (cardio drumming) a non-traditional exercise, you get to see different types of people come and they really enjoy it,” Callahan said. “And because it’s not regimented strength training or something like that, it’s a different type of class.
“It’s just great to get all of your stress and anxiety out in a fun way that’s healthy as well.”
