4 Benefits of Cardio Drumming – Making P.E. ROCK in 2021!

Ready to integrate some fun new programming into your in-person and/or virtual P.E. curriculum?  It can be tough to keep students engaged in normal times – add remote learning adjustments and technology limitations to the mix –  and you’re a SUPERHERO when you manage to keep a large class of students engaged and excited to MOVE at home!  Mixing up your program offerings with cardio drumming might be the perfect solution to re-engage your students in the year ahead. Generation POUND has taken the world by storm with its kid-approved cardio drumming workout. Not only is this one of the most fun and unique workouts that kids of all fitness levels and abilities can do, community cardio drumming has many other benefits that you may not have guessed! 

1. Drumming reduces stress and negative emotions:

Studies have shown that drumming lowers both blood pressure and stress hormones – even leading to boosted immune system functionality!  The active component of drumming alongside the rhythmic beat helps reduce stress in a number of ways. It’s fun, it’s physical, and it’s a great diversion from daily stressors that brings you to the moment and distracts you from the work you’re doing.  If your students have some pent-up energy to release or have been having a hard time with virtual learning, imagine the benefits of allowing them to express themselves through movement and drumming?  Drumming also can have meditative impacts, inducing relaxed mental states that reduce anxiety and tension. Cardio drumming programs will offer added stress reduction benefits and even a restorative effect to participants – all while helping them feel like rockstars and do something new! 

2 – Drumming provides an outlet for self-expression and emotional release.

“Drumming emphasizes self-expression, teaches how to rebuild emotional health, and addresses issues of violence and conflict through expression and integration of emotions,” says Music Educator Ed Mikenas. A drummer beats their drum and immediately receives feedback from the drum. This immediate feedback loop helps drummers achieve self-expression and self-realization. Drumming provides a method by which people can hear and be heard, a non-verbal language by which they can express themselves.  A drummer is at once a useful part of the group and a unique individual.   Sound vibrations resonate through every cell in the body when drumming, stimulating the release of negative cellular memories. The physical stimulation of drumming may also remove blockages and produce emotional release. (Because of this, certified music therapists are beginning to see the magic of integrating cardio drumming into their professional work!)
 

3 – Drumming helps us to connect with others

Want to build a sense of community and connection between your students?! Find a way to unify them with a beat even if they’re all in different places doing class virtually?! Group drumming discourages isolation, and promotes communication and involvement with the group by creating a powerful shared experience. A participant drumming with others and moving in sync to the beat naturally feels part of a whole and fosters feelings of connection and self-confidence. Cardio drumming has been used as a successful team building experience to teach groups of all ages how to work together, listen to each other, and achieve common goals. 

4 – Drumming produces deeper self-awareness by inducing synchronous brain activity (Hemispheric Coordination) and promoting alpha waves

Studies of the human mind have found that the two sides of a human brain often work at different levels and at different rates. Drumming activates both sides of the brain and can help the mind achieve hemispheric coordination, a situation where both halves of the brain are active and brain waves are synchronized. This coordination can lead to integrative modes of consciousness, which may include greater insight or creativity, and a generally calmer mind. Drumming also can increase alpha waves in the brain, which is why every culture around the world has made rituals of using drums in healing practices since the beginning of time!  Physical, mental, and spiritual benefits in one. But most importantly… 

Drumming is FUN – and that’s the bottom line! 

Generation POUND turns everyday exercises into explosions of energy and noise! Moving together with the music and one another, Generation POUND students can be found with wide smiles on their faces, eager to return to class week after week. 

Want to see Generation POUND in action?

Get in touch with POUND today to learn more about this powerful cardio drumming workout and how to easily launch at your school with just a few easy steps. Now offering dynamic lesson plans that meet U.S. national and state physical education curriculum standards – you can easily customize 15-, 25-, 30- or 45-minute classes to fit your classroom or after school programming needs!  Email nicole@poundfit.com to get a custom launch plan or set up a call.

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