WATCH: Exercisers 'beat out' frustration in new class

Saturday 05 January 2019

Exercisers are being challenged to get fit while beating out their frustrations in a new cardio fitness class inspired by drummers.

Pound Rockout lessons are due to start on Tuesday at 18:00 at Fort Regent with fitness instructor Lenny.

A big fitness enthusiast, Lenny has been teaching Jumping Fitness - a music-driven workout involving mini trampolines - for the past six years. She also teaches Kettlercise, which uses a single kettlebell to sculpt and tone the body. 

However, she says that when she discovered Pound over the summer holidays, she instantly fell in love with it. "It is wild, it is loud, it is so much fun and it is very energetic," she said. "It's a jam cardio session, full of energy and wildness."

Pictured: Lenny says beating out a rhythm with a stick helps vent and release emotions.

For Lenny, the unique workout is not just about exercise, but promoting mental wellbeing. "It is as much an emotional as a physical workout. There is something primal about beating out a rhythm with the Ripstix that connects you to the music and to yourself. Each time you strike the floor with the sticks or bring them together, you vent and release more emotions.

"Pound is the first group fitness class that's made me feel like it was okay to come in feeling angry. A lot of classes can elevate my heart rate, but none are as emotionally cathartic as Pound."

Lenny also says that she loves the inclusivity of the routines, which include strength training, and moves inspired by pilates and yoga and are available for all ages. With only two drumsticks and workout gear needed to take part, it's very easy to join in. "Pound does suit everyone and anyone really because it’s very easy to modify and change the exercise according to your fitness ability. You don't have to be perfect to have fun and Pound, you just have to be you," she explained.

Before officially starting her lessons, Lenny ran taster sessions at Fort Regent. Although there were only a few, it was enough to get some islanders hooked. Marietta said that after a hard day at work, Pound brings energy into her life.

"It’s really fun, it’s energetic, there’s some great people there doing the class. Lenny is just amazing. She always gets you involved and makes you feel like you are really on top of the world at the end of the session. It’s really good to just keep me fit and I feel like I have an amazing workout every single time."

For Sarah, the best thing about Pound is the emotional release that comes with it: "I just feel like I am pounding away frustrations of the day when I’m there. It’s just brilliant.”

Express found out what a Pound class involves...