From spinning in candlelit rooms, to Latin-inspired cardio dancing, to lifting and hurling Mack truck tires, it seems that the world of fitness has become filled with an increasing number of funky and innovative ways to stay active. One of the latest: Pound, a drumming-inspired cardio-strength-fusion workout with the motto, “Rockout. Workout.”
At Pound, not only do you get the chance to improve upon several elements of your fitness, but you also get to unleash your inner rockstar. Started in 2010 by Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom, both of whom are drummers, the class works by using weighted drumsticks (called Ripstix) in a session that combines basic strength-training moves like squatting and lunging with high intensity cardio intervals. Pound classes are currently available at gyms and studios 21 US states, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. The company has also recently launched a “Backstage Pass” option, which is a subscription-based service that gives subscribers access to online class videos and more.
Pound works by combining different types of exercises, including moves from Pilates, plyometrics, and even some yoga poses. In addition, you use the Ripstix to literally drum beats throughout the entire class. The results: you’ll burn fat with the heart-pounding cardio and work muscles in your arms, legs, and core like never before. In fact, Pound’s website claims that by the end of just one 45-minute class, you will have completed 15,000 reps and burned more than 600 calories – sounds insane! Drumming away is also a great way to slam out stress, so you’ll leave the class feeling both mentally and physically fitter.
Despite its relatively recent entry into the fitness market, Pound has already built for itself quite a tremendous following. The enticing combination of great music, intense physicality, and proven results has allowed Pound to become the fitness phenomenon that it is today. The gym chain Crunch reported that Pound was is now one of its most popular classes, and that it was one of its fastest growing classes last year.
Intrigued? Find a Pound class near you and get rocking (and ripped)!
Does Pound sound like a fitness class you would try?
All images courtesy of Pound
I used to play taiko drums which was an INSANE workout, especially the songs that had a dance element. This workout sounds like a good time to me!