Warm Up

The Warm-up should be an integration of drumming, rhythm and movement designed to warm up the body, lift the spirit and prepare the mind for the workout. It should be approximately 120-135 BPM and include all the principles of a good warm up in accordance with the guidelines put out by the American Council of Exercise.

In addition to the basic principles of a good warm up, the Drums Alive^® program should include the following:

• Teach selected Basic drumming patterns. (see basic drumming)
• Teach selected Basic locomotor patterns to be integrated with basic drumming. (see basic drumming, basic locomotor and basic drumming combined with locomotor movements)
• Integrate simple rhythms and movements before building complex patterns. Teach complicated rhythmical and movement patterns at half-tempo before playing and moving up to tempo.
• Make sure participants are comfortable with the ball placement and movement area in relation to the stability balls and other participants.
• Practice safety skills before beginning the program.

The warm-up should last approximately 5 – 15 min. depending upon the participants’ physical and cognitive level.