Marching to the beat of a different drum: WROC offers cardio drumming class
Some unlikely items add up to a calorie-burning, cadence-keeping good time at Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Recreation and Outreach center (WROC).
Cardio drumming was introduced last year at the WROC. Class members use an exercise ball placed on a stand (often a circular laundry basket) and “drum” using two rhythm sticks, or actual drum sticks, matching the instructor’s routine set to upbeat music.
Bonnie Vello, 76, of Peters Township, was hesitant to try the first session, but now she’s a regular who looks forward to class each Friday at 2:30 p.m.
“I sing his praises all week. He’s a motivator,” Vello said of the instructor, Eric Horton.
Horton, with All Star Therapies, is a physical therapist specializing in neurological disorders and Parkinson’s Disease. All Star Therapies developed its brand of cardio drumming called All Star Drumming.
The hour-long class is set to a variety of music that makes it easy to keep the beat. Horton calls out the moves, which can be modified for ability and even done from a sitting position.
Debbie Walker of Fayette hadn’t heard of the class before receiving an email and decided to try it. “It’s challenging, and I burn the most calories in this class.”
Classes at the WROC are designed to support all aspects of wellness.
The goal is to “bring people together and develop their faith through recreational activities. It’s a non-threatening environment where people can gather,” according to Kathy Long, WROC director.
Class members George and Heather Perinis, ages 84 and 68, of Mt. Lebanon, joined because they both enjoy the exercise combined with the percussion element.
“Aside from physical benefits, the (drumming) class releases endorphins, the ‘happy hormones,'” said Long.
“The endorphins help relieve and reduce stress and improve your health. If you don’t come for the health benefits, come to make new friends and for Christian fellowship. It’s men and women, all fitness levels,” Long said.
“The people are really friendly,” Vello said. “You get a workout, but you are so uplifted by the class. And the music is great.”
Horton brings his high energy, gets into the groove (he actually uses vinyl sticks after breaking several sets of wooden sticks) and even sings a line or two.
“What we love about it so much is you are getting the cardio component, you are getting the coordination, the balance, the wellness benefits of music and the socialization of being with a group and exercising, so its a lot of components all wrapped up in one class,” said Horton.
The WROC originally offered the class as part of its Parkinson’s Disease fitness programming. “However the general population has shown so much interest in it as well, and our goal is to fill the gym – the more the merrier,” Long said.
All Star Therapies, located in Jeanette, provides a variety of mobile outpatient therapy services and developed the All Star Drumming program as a group exercise class that can be incorporated into senior centers and other outreach programs, including children and student groups and specialty populations.
The next session will be held again on Fridays, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Jan 10 to Feb 28. The cost is $64 for the session.
Students are asked to provide their own yoga ball or physio ball, 65 mm and “burst resistant.” Drumsticks and stands are provided.
For more information, https://www.westminster-church.org/ministries/recreation-&-outreach.