Beating an exercise ball with drumsticks that’s stuck in a laundry basket sounds like something you’d do to keep a toddler occupied but believe it or not this activity can improve strength, mobility and increase your range of motion.
There’s a certain glow seen on the faces of those in the Cardio Drumming class that instructor Shirley Morin hosts at Spruce Capital Seniors Centre every Monday and Thursday morning.
It started with six enthusiastic participants and most recently there have been as many as 24 people tucked into the workout room at the centre.
In their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s drummers rock out with Shirley as best they can.
“I never knew it would grow into what it has and it gives me so much joy sharing with everyone,” Shirley said, who is also manager of the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre.
“Drumming is great for seniors because it not only helps their mobility and their strength, but it also includes brain fitness because of the patterns and the rhythm that we use while drumming. Because of that, it increases their memory and keeps their mind active.”
As the manager of the centre, Shirley said she would often be approached by members who talk about how intimidating the thought of going to a gym or getting a fitness trainer would be for them.
“The cardio drumming is great because the seniors get to work out at their own speed,” Shirley said. “It’s so great to see my older adults and the middles and everybody come together and drum with one another. It has become a really social atmosphere. When I see all the seniors drumming with me and there’s improved balance, muscle strength, and a glow you just have to roll all that up and that is the joy you see on my face when I’m drumming. Watching the ladies and (one) gentleman improve and come to life. They are actually working out and they love it and so do I.”
Patricia Kemble has been part of cardio drumming since it first began at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre two years ago.
“Shirley the instructor told me I had to come so I did,” Patricia said. “And I’ve been coming ever since. Shirley’s a lot of fun so I felt very comfortable during the class. We have a lot of laughs and if we goof up it doesn’t matter because we just have a lot of fun with it. The biggest thing I noticed is the freedom of movement, things are so much easier for me because when you’re old like I am you stiffen up and the whole bit, you know? And now it’s this range of motion I have – I can turn, I can I raise my arms in the air – I can do all these things.”
The enthusiasm for the cardio drumming comes with some surprises every now and again.
“People get excited when they’re doing this and sometimes when we’re drumming those sticks go flying across the room,” Patricia laughed.
“It’s just a great time and you feel so good – you feel awake and alive and I would recommend it to anybody because it’s not hard and it doesn’t hurt and it’s fun. There isn’t very many exercise classes you can go to that are fun.”
And she’s going to keep coming back.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Pat Husberg, past president of the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, has been attending the cardio drumming class for the last two years.
“I enjoy it so much,” Pat said, who took a bad fall that resulted in a T9 fracture in her back and finds the drumming has helped her recover.
“With Shirley getting us going with so many different moves I just love it.”
Pat said she’s happy more people have discovered cardio drumming because she likes to see active seniors in the community. The other half of the cardio drumming benefits are the social aspect when there’s a room full of people coming together to improve their health.
“When there’s a group of people it makes it more fun,” Pat smiled. “And the class goes by fast. We just get started and before you know it the 45 minutes has passed.”
Pat said that once people get out of the house they find more activities they enjoy at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre and the whole goal is to get people off their couches and out the door.
Lana Suelzen just joined the class at the beginning of the year and said she’s already hooked.
“I really enjoy it,” Lana said. “It’s been really fun. It’s easy enough for me to do and then continue on with my day afterwards.”
Lana said she broke her neck 30 years ago and had some major surgeries including three fusions of her spine.
“So this enables me to move,” Lana said. “I feel better getting out, having the interactions with others and it is so much fun. The energy is amazing.”
And for those looking to maybe just try something new?
“Just try it once because once you try it you’ll be hooked,” Lana smiled.
“The people here are so much fun and it doesn’t matter what skill level you have and you don’t have to be coordinated because it’s all in good fun.”
People are invited to drop in Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at 3701 Rainbow Drive. Drop-in fee is $2.
For more information about the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre visit www.sprucecapitalseniorcentre.ca or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SpruceCapitalSeniors.
To see the cardio drummers in action visit www.youtube.com/MastersinMotionCardioDrumming.
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