WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Every Wednesday, a group of local residents take out their exercise balls and hit them with drumsticks.
This cardio drumming class will bring together approximately 20 enthusiastic aspiring percussionists aged 60 and over.
They’ll spend an hour drumming to everything from the Beach Boys to Cyndi Lauper.
Classes are held at Family Services of the Upper Ohio Valley.
It started before COVID-19, then stopped, then started again last January.
Some of the drummers are family service users, while others are simply members of the community.
Their teacher is a physical therapy student at Wheeling University.
This is a collaborative project, which gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience with potential clients. The best part about this program is that it is not only an active wellness program, but it also allows you to sit or stand. It doesn’t matter what your activity level is, you can get outside and have fun, and also promote health as you get older.”
Paula Calvert, CEO, Family Services of the Upper Ohio Valley
Overall, I think this was a great opportunity to build community, get back in the community, socialize with your peers, and have fun while exercising.”
Doug White, Associate Professor, School of Physiotherapy, University of Western Australia
Take a break every 20 minutes and do some balance exercises.
There is no charge, just a donation.
The music they play ranges from Jimmy Buffett to Led Zeppelin, and the drummer is over 60 years old.
They proudly pointed out that one of the drummers is 80 years old.
