Murphy – Seniors have a new and free exercise class available to them three times a week at Penland Senior Center downtown.
Drumfit is a fun, exciting and interactive class that allows each person to participate at their own level of ability, speed and comfort. According to the American Heart Association, adults should be doing at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.
Drumfit improves cognitive function and memory, enhances mood and reduces stress as well as anxiety.
It also increases range of motion and or mobility, and boosts cardiovascular health.
Some participants of the class have Parkinson’s disease, while others are stroke survivors. The exercise is set to music in a fun and engaging environment.
Dean Dalrymple takes the class and joyfully.
“It’s entertaining, lively and fun,” he said. “It’s also a chance to bond.”
Denise Cross, director of Cherokee County Senior Service, leads the Drumfit class, while a video presentation instructs the group on the routines set to popular songs. The cardio drumming video coach is Coach Dupuis of Texas, who is in contact with the center on a regular basis and sets their requested songs to a routine for the group.
The tools used in the class consist of drum sticks, shortened pool noodles, big rubber balls and large colorful buckets, which are used for the drum bases. Classes are held three times a week at senior centers in Andrews, Hiwassee Dam and Murphy.
In Murphy, the days are Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., while Wednesday’s class starts at 2:30 p.m. Times will change in November.
“We just have fun. It’s a fun exercise that makes you look forward to it,” Cross said.
To watch a brief video, visit cherokeecountyseniorservices on Facebook.
Details: 828-837-2467.