Cardio Drumming at Burton Elementary School Club

A PAIR OF DRUMSTICKS, A YOGA BALL, AND A STORAGE BIN—WHO KNEW THESE THREE ITEMS COULD ENCOURAGE KIDS TO EXERCISE DAILY?

Burton Elementary Club has proven this to be true! Program Specialist, Mrs. Ramirez was introduced to cardio drumming by a friend who is a Zumba instructor. She became inspired and created a cardio drumming program for her class of 3rd and 4th grade Club members.

The exercise requires them to follow a choreography of simultaneous dancing and drumming. Kids are encouraged to drum as vigorously as they please since the drumming is quiet—after all, their drum is a yoga ball! The kids insist that they love cardio drumming and do not mind working up a sweat. In an article by the Porterville Recorder, one of our members said, “It keeps you exercising. I like the program because it is really supportive and the teachers don’t give up on you. I really like it.”

This program has caught the attention of our community, having been shared by PortervilleNow, The Sun-Gazette, covered by ABC30 and aired as a kicker on Univision. The kids' favorite part? They get to drum to their favorite songs! Our favorite part? Our Club members are forming good exercise habits and having fun with friends at the same time.