Get down to the beat of the drum

Drums Alive is a high-energy, stress-busting exercise class that promises to chase away the blues. Rachel Dixon picks up her rhythm stick
Drums Alive
Three pioneers hope to drum up interest in the new class. Photograph: PR

What is it all about?

Drums Alive is the latest fitness craze for those of us whose hula hoops and canes are already gathering dust in a cupboard, and who couldn't overcome our moral objections to pole dancing. In short, it's a new-fangled exercise class involving a core stability ball and a pair of drumsticks. Participants drum on the ball while performing aerobics-style choreographed routines to upbeat music.

Sounds crazy. Who is behind it?

It was devised by Carrie Ekin, a fitness instructor who came up with the idea while out of action due to injury. Unable to carry out her usual workout, she put together drumming sequences that could be performed while sitting down. As she recovered enough to stand, she developed the activity until it finally incorporated a full range of movement. Drums Alive found popularity in the US and Japan before making its way to Britain early this year.

What's so good about it?

It is an aerobic workout that allegedly burns at least 150 calories in 20 minutes, while toning the whole body. It is also supposed to ease stress and exercise the mind as well as the body. More adventurous claims from proponents in the States describe it as an "unimaginable fitness ride" and invite you to "break the rules, open the door and enter a new dimension in fitness." But we wouldn't go that far.

Does it deliver?

I tried a short beginners' class with a colleague. We had the undivided attention of Jane, our instructor, and attracted the bemused gaze of a small crowd of onlookers. Initially, we felt a little self-conscious, to say the least. However, we soon got into the swing of things and within minutes had lost ourselves in the tribal rhythms, drumming up a frenzy in a whirlwind of strong, synchronised strokes ...

Ahem. I may be exaggerating slightly. In actual fact, we progressed tentatively through the easy tracks to some ever-so-slightly less easy tracks, at which point we frequently missed a beat or turned the wrong way. Still, we had a lot of fun and the time flew by, which is more than I can say for 20 minutes on the treadmill.

Sounds tiring ...

Mentally, it's reasonably challenging, though it helps if you're blessed with a natural sense of rhythm and good coordination. Strict concentration is important, especially when the left and right hands are simultaneously engaged in different sequences. It is a particularly good form of exercise for children, because it enables them to focus their minds, channel aggression, have fun and get fit, all at the same time. Observational evidence suggests that children's concentration improves after taking part.

Physically, it's not hugely strenuous. If you're reasonably fit, you won't break a sweat until you progress to the more advanced tracks and really go for it. If you are super fit, you could use it as a fun activity to keep you ticking over on rest days. However, it's the perfect starting point for workout virgins and those recovering from injury, or an effective keep fit routine for the elderly. It can also be easily adapted for people using a wheelchair.

Perfect if ...

You've always fancied yourself as Meg White from the White Stripes.

Best avoided if ...

You subscribe to the 'no pain, no gain' school of fitness.

· Fourteen Virgin Active clubs currently run Drums Alive classes. By the end of April the classes will be available in the majority of Virgin Active's 71 clubs nationwide. For more information about Drums Alive and to locate your nearest Virgin Active club, please visit or call 0845 130 4747