A new way to stay fit is a hit with students at Rexford-Longfellow Elementary.
During the summer, Physical Education teachers Michelle Krueger and Karen Petermann attended a Best Practices in Physical Education conference at UW-Stevens Point.
“Our department is always looking for new things to do with our students. This was definitely something new! While we were at the conference we knew it would be a unique and fun way for our kids to develop their fitness levels,” Petermann said. “We wanted to give it a try. Sometimes in education you just go out on a limb and try things outside of your comfort zone. Some work and some don’t. This activity is definitely a keeper!”
Students at Longfellow Elementary recently experienced Drumming for Fitness. Stability balls are used as drums. Step box risers were used for stands to put the balls on. Drum sticks were purchased and the classes were ready to rock.
At Longfellow, students are taught that large and exaggerated arm and leg movements increase heart rates.
“We want to increase our heart rates during our Physical Education classes to train our hearts to become more efficient and our bodies to become more fit,” Petermann explained. “Longfellow students were taught and practiced a variety of large arm movements that included very enthusiastic drumming. They also learned several leg movements that included marching, galloping, kicking, hopping, jumping and lunging. Then these movements were choreographed into drumming routines to popular music. The kids did a great job and caught on quickly.”
Students were also very creative in coming up with their own routine ideas. Drumming for Fitness was a great workout and was a lot of fun; the energy in the gym was amazing! Everyone found muscles they didn’t know that they had and everyone passed the “sweat test”.
Krueger will soon be doing “Drumming for Fitness” as part of her Workout Wednesday activities. In addition, the Longfellow Wellness Team will be promoting “Drumming for Fitness” as a staff wellness activity the end of November.