Spas With Cardio Drumming Classes

Remember when the song “I don’t want to work, I just want to bang on the drums all day” was on heavy rotation on the radio? It sang of the freedom—and sheer joy—of playing percussive instruments. For years, destination spas have tapped into this blissful feeling of experiencing the rhythm nation by offering fitness classes in African drumming. Today, however, such spots are remixing the tune to include a cardio component. Here’s where to dance to the music.
Red Mountain Resort & Spa
The aptly named retreat nestled in the rugged landscape of southern Utah offers the group fitness class called Drums Alive. The program blends aerobic dance and playing of the drums. The result is an energetic all-over workout that increases response time and awareness, as well as amping up cognitive function. redmountainresort.com
Rancho la Puerta
Forty-five minute classes focus on sound and movement with participants hitting 30-gallon plastic trash cans with plastic drumsticks. Participants in the sessions at the spa move up, down and all around, while keeping the beat and improving cardiovascular health. rancholapuerta.com
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
With the tagline “Rockout. Workout.” the 45-minute Pound promises a high-energy class that fuses upper body strength moves with interval training and plyo work. All happens while keeping the beat on an individual drum and engaging the core at this destination spa resort in quiet Wisconsin. grandgeneva.com