A New Group X Craze

I’ve been drumming for more than 20 years. I know that drumming doesn’t give me a true workout, but it certainly burns calories and gets every inch of my body moving. So, it might not be the same as hitting the gym, but I can honestly say that after each show with my band, I’m drenched in sweat.

This morning I stumbled on an article in the New York Times titled, “They’re Not With the Band.” The article discusses two female drummers that discovered how drumming really could be molded into exercise. The two drummers, who were also avid fitness enthusiasts, decided to see if they could create a true exercise regiment with drumming.

The creation has come to be known at “Pound,” a Group X hit that has members of all types participating. Crunch and other NeV affiliates, such as Hard Candy, have picked up the craze and discovered an ecstatic response from members.

Pound has been just one drum-craze that has swept its way across all 50 states and into clubs everywhere. “Drums Alive” has also captured the attention of members. Slightly different than Pound, Drums Alive has members playing rhythms on an exercise ball that’s size puts the top around the hips of the member.

Pound, a great cardio and core exercise class, gets members moving and enjoying the different aspects of rhythm in a similar way that might occur behind a full drum kit. Drums Alive can be altered to fit the member demographic and has become popular in recreational centers as well as senior facilities.

I’ve never personally found myself in one of the drum-based Group X classes, but having spent the majority of my life with drumsticks in my hands, I’m highly aware of the physical benefits.

If you take some time to read the story in the New York Times you will realize that Pound simply came from some young drummers that were also into fitness, and needed to release some steam. Were they being forced to think outside the box, or to strive for a certain level of success as a club’s Group X instructor? No. However, through their necessity to exercise and practice their art, they easily developed a great fitness class that has intrigued people around the world.

Do your Group X directors or instructors have the creative ability to design or search out new classes? How do you encourage them to be more creative and implement interesting classes in your clubs?

Group X Directors can do a multitude of things for your clubs, aside from managing instructors and creating a Group X schedule. Make sure they have the resources to research new classes, or the time to work with instructors on creating new and inventive group ideas. With you behind them, who knows? They could create the next major Group X craze right in your own club.