115. Drum Fit In this presentation teachers will learn how to perform and teach one of latest fitness craves using fitness ball and drum sticks. Performed standing, great music and lots of fun movements. Presenter(s): Dr. Gloria Elliott, Dr. Tiffany Fuller, and Dr. Dee Ellis, Ph. D Winston-Salem State University Location: Heritage

1. Drum Fitness
Dr. Gloria Elliott, Dr. Tiffany Fuller, North Carolina A&T State University
Dr. Dee Ellis, Winston-Salem State University
Are “brain-stimulated”, psychologically and physiologically, “prepared-to-learn”
students in middle school classes, a variable to student (and teacher) learning?
Drum fitness activities may be part of the solution! Drumming on exercise balls is
an aerobic exercise trend that incorporates percussion, which has been shown to
stimulate the brain and develop greater neuron communication.
Over the past decade, there has been many variations, and programs that have
popped-up, designed around the benefits of drumming with an exercise ball. It
appears Carrie Jean Elkins, of Germany, inspired at least some of the programs. An
avid fitness enthusiast, Elkins found herself side-lined with a hip injury and began
drumming on boxes. She progressed to exercise balls, and found that the patterns,
repetitions and the movement also helped focus her mind. The information comes,
as no surprise to any brain researcher or music therapist, but who would have
guessed the combination of drumming and exercise would also be so inviting and
fun?! Elkins went on to develop a curriculum and founded her company, “Drums
Alive”. Today there are many commercial programs available (Akademia Fitness
Planet, Urban Active, Fitball, Drum Ball Exercise, Drum Fit, Drums Alive, etc.), but
with a bit of creativity, and a shoestring budget, you might see what can happen.
Treat your brain to increased alpha waves, your body to some movement, and
eventually your students to the knowledge you’ll gain. COME DRUM with us! It will
make your day!
Music CD take-aways, while supply lasts.