Drum fit, also known as cardio drumming, is a cardiovascular and muscular endurance activity that engages students in music-based rhythmic routines. In traditional uses it combines drumming on exercise balls using drumsticks, allowing students to improve coordination, timing, endurance, and self-expression. It is a highly engaging activity as it uses upbeat music that keeps students attention.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will engage in a variety of routines to improve their cardiovascular endurance.
Unit Plan
This unit is 4 days - learning basic rhythm and patterns to perform routines.
Day 1
Intro/Expectations
Different moves
Freeze and stop
Follow the leader
Day 2
Rhythm moves
Follow the leader with Rhythms
Chicken dance routine (teach, practice, perform)
4 on top
4 on side
4 on bucket
4 clap
Dance (polka) = free style
Day 3
Chicken dance refresh
Videos
Day 4
Videos Continued
General Modifications for:
Equipment:
Use pool noodles for drumsticks
Use AT for students who cannot grip drumsticks
Use elevated/lower heights
Skill and Rule Adaptions
Use visual and verbal cues
Students could sit while doing it
Allow for improvisation
Assessment:
Participation checklist
Self-reflection
Instructional Keys
Break skills into smaller steps
Use visual aids
Use repetition and practice time
Pair students for peer support or peer tutoring
Emphasize participation and movement over getting moves exactly right
Could use fitness technology to measure engagement.
There are many videos that can be used of various drum fit and cardio drumming routines already created for students to follow.