Have you tried Cardio Drumming for your special needs child? With upbeat music and simple movements, it makes for a fun fitness activity that is easy to follow. Caitlin loves music and dancing so I was super excited to sign her up.

The “drums” are actually large fitness balls placed in big, round plastic tubs. From what I can tell, the tubs serve a couple of purposes. 1. to keep the balls from rolling away and 2. to elevate the ball to a comfortable height. Participants use regular drumsticks to drum the ball.

The drums were arranged in a semi-circle before our arrival. The kids just needed to select a pair of drumsticks and a drum that was at a suitable height.

Before getting started, the instructor gave some instructions. Her light-hearted demeanor put you at ease especially if this was a new activity for your child.  Here’s a summary of her straightforward explanations … 

She suggested many modifications and encouraged participants to do what they feel necessary. She said “It’s kind of like Simon says, follow as best as you can, but you can do whatever you want. Just as long as you do your best, and have fun, that’s the most important thing!” She welcomed caregivers to assist as much as needed. 

• I loved this because not all special needs kids can follow along and do it exactly as instructed.  Caitlin has right side weakness and can’t grip with her right hand.  But she was able to grip one drumstick with her left hand.  There was one song they drummed with their hands and I can imagine you could even drum with your feet.  She also is not able to stand for long periods of time.  Cardio drumming can be done while standing or sitting.  I believe there are many ways to make modifications and still actively participate and have fun!

She showed them basic moves of “arms up”, “arms down”, “step to the side” etc… She showed them how to hit the top, sides, and front of the ball.  And she explained they might also hit the tub with their drumsticks.

• I find that Caitlin does much better when she is told what to expect and how to do it before the activity starts.  It can be hard for her to catch on during the activity.  It was helpful to know the moves ahead of time especially when the music went a little faster and they were doing the moves more quickly.

 “If something hurts, don’t do it,” she said. She was speaking about doing squats and to just go as low as you can. And she also advised not to bend over too far because it might hurt your back.

• Caitlin does not express when something hurts or if she is not feeling well.  We usually pick up on this through other cues such as facial expressions or overall sluggishness.  If you ask her if something hurts, her typical reaction is “No, I’m good!”  This is worrisome because I don’t think she would stop from trying squats or back bends if it hurt.  She would want to do it despite any pain it may cause because she wants to join in with what everyone else is doing!  We wouldn’t know she was in pain until later if it really bothered her.  

Don’t clench the sticks too hard, it will make your hands tired. She said, “It’s OK if you *accidentally* drop the sticks on the floor. When you do it’s a good thing and everyone can cheer!”

• Caitlin is super-silly and will do something just to get a reaction that she finds funny and can laugh hysterically at!  So as you can imagine, she “accidentally” dropped her sticks on the floor a few times!  She also loved cheering and laughing when others did it too.

The sounds of cardio drumming are easy on the ears. The instructor started the music and set the volume just slightly louder than the drumming. Her voice is soft but commanding. Drumming on a fitness ball has a low thumping sound. While drumsticks coming together or tapping on the tub have a playful click and clack sound.    

Simple and fluid describes the movements in cardio drumming. The pace of the music alternated between slow and quick. But the transitions between movements were unhurried and not complicated. Marching feet tap steadily on the ground. The music playlist is bubbly and cheerful. The combination of sounds is both soothing and energizing as it all follows the pace of the music. 

I think what the instructor said at the beginning of the class sums up Cardio Drumming perfectly: “I love cardio drumming, I absolutely adore it. I have a ball, it’s the best time, I feel alive when I’m doing it. So tonight we’re going to all feel alive and we’re going to all have a ball doing it!” 

And from what I observed, they all did!

Does your child like Cardio Drumming?  Do you have any Cardio Drumming classes in your area?  I would love to hear of your experiences in the comments below!

JoAnn

JoAnn’s journey as a parent and caregiver to an individual with disabilities started when her daughter was born pre-maturely with multiple health issues resulting in cognitive, physical and speech disabilities.  Over the years, JoAnn discovered that recreation, travel and social experiences can bring happiness and relief to a life that is often stressful and frustrating.  She loves to seek out adaptive, accessible and fun activities for her daughter and the whole family to enjoy.  She started the blog www.OurSpecialFunOasis.com to share her uplifting stories and positive ideas to help and to inspire others.