Urbana rec center debuts new workout program: cardio drumming

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — There’s a new exercise program being offered at the Philips Recreation Center in Urbana: cardio drumming.

It’s a full-body workout designed to help reduce stress, increase endurance and lower blood pressure, and all you need is a medicine ball and a pair of drumsticks.

“You get to hit something,” said participant Jeannie Ludlow. “I loved hitting the ball with the sticks. It really changes the way you do the movements.”

“It’s super friendly to everyone and you do work up a sweat while you’re doing it, but it’s a lot of fun,” said Kern McCalla, Outreach Wellness Coordinator at the Phillips Recreation Center.

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Classes just started this week, and McCalla said they are one of the only places in the area with this program.

“Everyone absolutely loved it,” she said. “It’s super high energy and engaging”

“It was a lot of fun. I love the music and I love the energy in the room,” Ludlow said. “I had a little trouble keeping up at first, but I stayed with it and I got it.”

Ludlow said it’s the perfect workout packed into a 50-minute class.

“I’m sweaty and I expected it to be mostly upper body, so I rode my bike here,” she said. “So I’m going to be riding really slowly home.”

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The rec center said it’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

“I did it, I kept up with it. So I would think that just about anybody could do it,” Ludlow said. “It’s not high impact, so someone whose knees or ankles are perfect could do it.”

Classes are Mondays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. People can register by calling 217-367-1544 or on the Urbana Park District’s website.

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