Drumming for Fitness classes bring rhythm and cardio to YMCA

If picking up drumsticks and thumping on rubber balls and plastic buckets sounds like a fun way to work out, the Tuscarawas County YMCA has a class for that.

Drumming for Fitness classes are offered weekly, including a session every Monday from 6-7 p.m. led by new instructor Hannah Hartman, who has participated in the program since 2020.

“I had a membership and started taking the class just as all the COVID shutdowns began,” Hartman said. “As soon as they were able to start up again, I went back. I was never one who was super into exercise and fitness, so I wasn’t sure if it was something I would ultimately stick with on a weekly basis. But I found it was a lot of fun, and I ended up getting some friends and coworkers involved also. So I stuck with it for five years.”

Hartman credited instructor Jennifer Stewart with teaching her the program. Even when she paused her YMCA membership, Hartman said she continued drumming at home and improved her skills.

Kathleen Johnson, the YMCA’s marketing director, later contacted Hartman to ask if she would consider teaching. Hartman agreed and led her first class shortly after the new year.

Hartman described the class as a cardio workout built around movement.

“You’re moving your body a lot — stepping in place, squats, lunges,” Hartman said. “More than just hitting a ball with sticks, you’re pretty much moving your feet the entire time. You use small weights that you’re comfortable with, and we do some twists and reaching. It all adds up to a good workout.”

Ryan Hursey also teaches the class at the YMCA, including a Wednesday morning session at 9 a.m. Hursey said he keeps the format and music varied.

“We drum to maybe three or four songs, then we do some weight training for about five minutes, then more songs after that,” Hursey said. “Maybe we put away the stability balls and switch to plastic buckets, then we drum up and down the sides of the bucket to really keep moving. Then they might be drumming on the balls again as far as they can last to get their heart rate up and their frustrations out.”

Hursey said he often uses familiar songs and keeps the moves simple.

“I might play some Vanilla Ice, ‘Ice Ice Baby,’ and as they hit that beat, I tell them to listen for the beat and show them what to do and keep it really simple,” he said. “You just find the rhythm and enjoy it and enjoy the class. I get bored with the same music all the time so I like to mix it up and change that each week.”

“There’s a lot more to it than the drumming,” Hartman said. “You might hear ‘drumming for fitness’ and form a picture in your mind of what that would be like, but it’s really a lot of fun and you are moving the whole time.”

Classes can accommodate up to 25 students. YMCA members can sign up at the front desk. Openings are available.

For more information, cal 330-364-5511 or visit tuscymca.org.