If you've always secretly wanted to be a rock star, you'll love the POUND Workout. I first tried this class back in NYC, and trust me, it's addicting. Now, Elite Performance Center is offering POUND in Lower Queen Anne for anyone who wants to try this unique class, no music background necessary.
What is it exactly? Cristina Peerenboom and Kirsten Potenza, drummers and co-founders of POUND, created the workout to combine their love of fitness, drumming, and music. It combines cardio, isometric movements, and Pilates to burn between 600 to 900 calories an hour.
Like Zumba, POUND uses music to help people burn calories while having, dare I say it, fun. Using Ripstix AKA two drumsticks weighing a quarter pound, you'll drum to the beat of the song following a choreographed routine. While drumming to the music, you'll incorporate other exercises like squats and lunges.
Yes, your Ripstix might only weigh less than a pound, but they weigh double the amount of a regular drumstick. And in one class you'll hit your sticks 15,000 times.
What parts of the body does it work? Everything! POUND is a full body workout, with each song focusing on a different part of the body like abs or glutes. You'll work your core, legs, and upper body in less than hour while improving your flexibility.
According to Torie Rynning, POUND instructor at Elite Performance Center, a typical 45-minute class includes three lunge tracks, two "set" or standing up tracks, two abs tracks, and a thighs and glutes track. Word to the wise, those abs tracks are killer.
Although you can count on always having two abs songs and three lunge tracks, you won't get bored. There are over 100 different songs (and choreographed routines) to choose from.
Why go? For one, you'll be able to take out your aggression and hit things. "I have a background in dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading, so similar to dancing, I like that the choreography element engages my mind to prevent boredom and distract from the pain," said Rynning. "And universally, everyone who tries the class loves that they get to hit things."
For me, I loved how POUND made me forget I was working out by distracting me with the fun of drumming to the rhythm of the music. It definitely made Pilates movements less painful to get through.
Still not sure? Elite Performance Center is offering Seattle Refined reader's a chance to try POUND free for one week! Classes are offered at Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. To get your free week of classes, go here to sign up for a workout and select "Seattle Refined 7 Days of Free Classes!" from the drop down menu. Your free week will start on the day of your first class. This offer expires July 31, so sign up before it's too late!

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