No wonder fitness routines are called workouts. They can feel like work. But a growing number of people of every age, size and fitness level are discovering one that’s taking the fitness world by loud, sweaty, heart-pumping storm.

Cardio drumming’s roots lie in centuries old traditional drumming rituals, such as Japanese Taiko, a cultural practice associated with physical well-being. Although cardio drumming is trending and popping up in fitness centers all over, Deb Pechatsko-Caggiano, a 25-year aerobics instructor says it’s been around for some time. 

“I taught it 10 years ago, but it’s making a huge comeback,” Pechatsko-Caggiano says.

Think loud, fast-paced music reverbing around a roomful of joyful people, faces aglow with perspiration, beating drumsticks against large fitness balls in a ‘Drums Alive,’ ‘Pound’ or ‘DrumFIT’ class. Each of these branded programs offer instructor training, equipment and apps for at-home use.  

“Drumming is a fun, noisy and ideal workout,” says Lori Zikovich, who teaches it as an interval in her cardio circuit class at Valley YMCA in Hermitage, Pa. 

“It’s aerobic, builds strength, balance and dexterity, is easy on the joints and leaves them wanting more,” she says.

Pechatsko-Caggiano calls cardio drumming no-impact jumping jacks. 

“Every time they raise and lower their arms, they increase their endurance heart rate,” she says. 

Cardiologists endorse it for boosting cardiovascular health by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure, which helps to manage hypertension and coronary artery disease, reducing stroke risk. 

Adaptive versions of cardio drumming classes are geared to kids, seniors and those with physical and cognitive limitations. Toronto-based DrumFIT works exclusively with schools and senior centers. 

“Drumming is a great way for those who don’t participate in sports to get moving and mindful in minutes, and it takes no special skills — anyone can do it,” says Melissa Turcotte, director of operations for DrumFIT. 

Learning and memorizing drumming patterns gets the brain firing, too. Krista Redick leads a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease as part of her Delay the Disease program at the Buhl Club in Sharon, Pa.

“It’s an amazing cognitive drill, and exercise for the body and brain is medicine for this group,” she says.

“Even if I’m not really feeling it, I remind myself how energizing the class is and how happy it makes me,” says 61-year-old Lori Allen about her Pound class at Valley YMCA. “It’s addictive!”