What is Cardio Drumming?

Practical Guide

Intro

Fitness trends come and go, and some forms of workout routines take plenty of inspiration from playing musical instruments. One of those is cardio drumming. 

This workout routine gained popularity about a decade ago, and it’s been used in countless gyms and fitness centers around the world. 

In this guide, we’ll briefly explain what cardio drumming is, what benefits it has, and what equipment you need to do it. 

What is Cardio Drumming?

Cardio drumming is an exercise routine where you place an exercise ball inside a bucket and then hit it with a pair of sticks. While you do this, you move your body side to side along with high-intensity music. 

Dr. Michelle Unrau was the person that invented the workout, and it caught traction around the world due to how fun it is. 

In most cases, it’s done in a group setting with an instructor getting everyone to follow along. However, you can do it yourself by watching a video for guidance. 

1. Equipment Needed

You only need three things to participate in a cardio drumming workout. These are drumsticks, an exercise ball, and a bucket large enough to fit the ball inside. The ball has to be protruding from the top of it, though. 

If you go to a fitness center where they offer cardio drumming classes, all this equipment should be provided. 

If you want to do the workouts in your home, you’ll need to get all of it. The drumsticks don’t have to be standard ones. You can use anything to hit the ball with. 

FEATURED ON

2. Target Demographic

Cardio drumming is an exercise routine for all ages. Young kids can do it as long as they’re tall enough to reach the ball. Older people can also do it. They just won’t be able to do it at the same intensity. 

The great thing about cardio drumming is that it’s extremely easy to get into, and that’s why people of all ages can attend classes. 

3. Fitness Goals

The big benefit of cardio drumming is that you burn calories while also working your brain. While moving side to side, you need to play particular rhythms on the ball. Doing both things simultaneously will give you a mental workout that not many other workout routines offer. 

It’s also incredibly fun to do, especially when you’re in a group class with other people. This makes it easier to burn calories and get your heart rate up, as you often don’t focus on the fitness aspect. 

This makes it more attractive than doing something like running on a treadmill. 

FAQ:

Do You Need to Have Good Rhythm to Do Cardio Drumming?

No, you don’t need to have good rhythm to go to cardio drumming classes. Most classes are very easy to be a part of. You rarely have to play any hectic rhythmic parts on the ball. 

It depends on which class you go to. Some gyms like to separate the classes into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups. 

The advanced groups will have more challenging patterns to perform, and the movements will be more intense. 

How Popular is Cardio Drumming? 

Cardio drumming can essentially be found all over the world. However, we wouldn’t say it’s extremely popular. There are dozens of other group workout routines that are far more loved and attended at gyms. 

With that being said, it seems to be getting more and more popular every year. The barrier to entry is low, and that brings more people into the classes.

Many people do personal cardio drumming workouts in their own homes, so it’s difficult to gauge how popular it is in that area. 

Conclusion

To recap quickly, cardio drumming is a drum-inspired workout routine where you play rhythms on an exercise ball while doing different movements. It’s always done along with songs, and the rhythms and movements match those songs. 

The whole idea behind it is that you have a good time, burn plenty of calories, and get a mental workout too. 

We think it’s a wonderful idea, and it’s definitely something that everyone should try out. You don’t need to have a good sense of rhythm to go to a cardio drumming class, and you can be any age. 

Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London  has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Wait! Download Our Free eBook Now!

free-drum-sheet-music

Wait! Download Our Free eBook Now!

Enter your name and email below to get instant access to our FREE eBook, “9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”

Where Do We Send Instant Access?

free-drum-sheet-music

Where Do We Send Instant Access?

Enter your name and email below to get instant access to our FREE eBook,
“9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”