A local entrepreneur is hoping an exciting new workout will contribute to a healthier city one drum roll at a time.
"You actually burn between 400 and 900 plus calories. You're using a lot of muscles you don't necessarily use everyday and what's really cool about it, is that you get so engulfed in the music that you actually forget that you're working out," said Alicia Pirie.
The workout combines cardio, pilates, strength movements, plyometrics, and isometric poses, along with simulated drumming, all to the tune of upbeat music.
It is known simply as Pound.
"It's actually been around for five years. It was created in Los Angeles by two female drummers who were also huge into the fitness scene. They met at a party one night and basically came up with this program," said Pirie, currently the only Pound instructor in the Timmins area.
It is a fast-paced 45 minute session, with only minimal hydration breaks, and the precious few seconds between songs. It aims to work the entire body and raise the heart to a 'fat-burning zone'.
"It's cool because it is actual music that people know, its not music that has been translated or remixed," said Pirie. "You're drumming a lot, and you're going along with the rhythm."
The first ever Pound class in the city took place on Thursday evening at The Working Class, under the clever name 'Pound and Pour'. The event was a teaser of sorts, aimed to generate interest in the workout and encourage socialization.
"I thought a 'Pound and Pour' would be a really cool kickoff. It's an opportunity for women, or men, to come and work out for 45 minutes and then socialize. You get to meet other people and have a fun night," she said.
The weighted drumsticks used in Pound are called 'Ripstix' and are 6 times heavier than the average drumstick, but are a bit shorter. Pirie currently has sets for up to 30 people.
"You could purchase your own set of sticks, but you don't need it to do a class. The company has a workout app you can buy if there's no instructors in your area, so then you would get a set of Ripstix, but otherwise its all included."
She discovered the program online and became immediately intrigued.
"They did a really big push on social media. Somebody had tagged me in a post saying 'look how cool this is', and because I do so many classes at my store (Chic Baby & Kids) they thought it would be cool for moms. I looked into it, and the closest training was in Gatineau, Quebec, so off I went."
Pirie met several other Northerners at the training session, from Sudbury, North Bay, New Liskeard, and Kapuskasing. The workout program has a chance to become very popular throughout the region.
A startling presentation from the Porcupine Health Unit at city council this week suggested that more physical activity is needed for locals of all ages.
"What's really cool about this program is that its so modifiable, that you could do a class for 10-year-olds. You can do these classes in elementary schools and high schools in gym class. They even had a woman who was 105 who did this class sitting in a wheelchair, but she did all the arm movements, so no matter if you have some sort of injury, or you can't sit on your back, there's a modified version," said Pirie.
Could 'Pound' become the newest cardio workout craze? Andrew Autio for TimminsToday Feedback from some of Thursday's participants was resoundingly positive.
"It was a lot of fun, it was a really good workout," said Esther Pelletier, a Zumba instructor.
Pelletier had also seen a post on Facebook, and after watching a few YouTube videos, she decided to give it a shot.
"It was really good, a lot better than doing something boring like running. The music really pushes you to keep going and work harder," said Pelletier, adding that she would do it again.
Jenn Brunet was also excited with the class.
"It's absolutely something I would do again, its a lot of fun. The music was amazing, and its definitely something everyone should try," she said.
Regular classes will begin in September. The fall classes will be taking place in a school gym. More details will be made available soon at the Chic Facebook page.
