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Midvale Journal

Drums Alive: lose pounds while making music

Jul 31, 2018 02:49PM ● By Jana Klopsch

By Heather Sky | [email protected] 

Have you heard of the newest group fitness experience called Drums Alive? 

This innovative workout combines the benefits of a traditional physical fitness program for the body with the brain working on making music and rhythm. Carrie Ekins created the program out of necessity after a devastating dance-related hip injury. Ekins has a master’s degree in physical education, dance with emphasis in sports medicine from Brigham Young University.  The required rehabilitation following her injury was a long process, and Ekins decided to have some fun while progressing along the recovery pathway. She began to research the reason she experienced feelings of euphoria while drumming on boxes. What she discovered is that the drum patterns helped the brain to generate enhanced alpha brain waves, synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, as well as advance the healing of the body. 

Fellow enthusiastic Drums Alive instructors, Yolanda and Micheal, helped bring the experience to Midvale last month with a Master Workshop and Instructor Certificate Training (specifically designed for music therapists) at Body Logic Dance Studio. The duo had previously focused their efforts within the senior community by teaching at senior centers in Midvale and neighboring cities, but according to Yolanda Brown, “The demand has been so high that we cannot keep up with the request for classes.” In order to remedy the issue, she decided to bring the founder of Drums Alive to Midvale in order to train new instructors. 

The events were held on July 15 and 16, as participants experienced for themselves the healing experience of movement and rhythm through fun and creative expression.

This powerful and unique workout joins the dynamic movements of aerobic dance with the pulsating rhythms of the drum, providing the body and mind with instant feedback through continuous movement and rhythmical flow. Drumming has been found to have numerous physiological and psychological benefits, contributing to an overall sense of well being. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creative expression through drumming. This fun and effective exercise program is appropriate for all ages and abilities. 

To find out more about Body Logic Dance offerings, visit their website at bodylogicdance.com.