The drums are great fun to play. But did you know that drumming can be good for your health as well?
Drumming can be a great way to relieve stress, find focus and feel more energized. Drummers often report feeling better after drum sessions than before they started playing.
It's also been shown that drumming has beneficial effects on the brain such as increased creativity & improved memory.
It can also just be a fun workout compared to running or going through the same routines down the gym.
Here we'll look in more detail at some of the health benefits of drumming and the surprising research that has been done on this musical instrument.
Drumming as a workout
Anyone that has played drums at a gig will know that drumming is good exercise. Drumming can help get you in shape, as it involves continuous movement from your arms and legs. There's also the added bonus of drumming being fun, which can make exercising seem more appealing than jogging on the treadmill alone.
A fascinating series of studies was carried out by Blondie's drummer Clem Burke, in association with the University of Chichester. It found that an hour concert could burn 400-600 calories.
Clem's heart rate during a gig averaged 140-150 bpm, peaking at 190bpm - a level comparable to top athletes.
Interestingly, the scientists behind the study said the results could be the catalyst to develop an outreach program for children who are overweight but have no interest in sport.
Does drumming build muscle?
Drumming will help build muscle tone, but drumming alone won't build bulk. Over time, you'll find that the muscles in your wrists and forearms will build stamina, and allow you to play for longer without getting tired.
But don't think you're going to build huge biceps or 6-pack abs from your time behind the kit. If that's your goal, you're going to have to do resistance exercises such as lifting weights.
In fact, regular drumming combined with some resistance exercises could form the basis of a good all-round exercise routine.
How drumming can help relieve stress and anxiety
Whether you're playing a traditional kit or a hand drum such as a djembe, drumming can help improve your mood.
Drumming has long been used to relieve stress and anxiety in people who have suffered trauma or stressful situations. It's an ancient form of therapy that is experiencing a resurgence in interest today.
In a recent study it was found that playing in a drumming circle reduced depression and anxiety as well as improving social resilience. Not only did participants report feeling better immediately after their series of drumming sessions but also when followed up 3 months later.
What drumming does to your brain
You may be shocked to discover that drumming affects the brain... but in a good way!
Playing a musical instrument throughout life has been associated with a decreased risk of dementia. It is thought this occurs because playing is a 'workout for the brain' involving a complex range of cognitive functions including motor and sensory systems.
This opens a fascinating new area for further research. Activities like drumming could be used to prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's, rather than relying on powerful drug therapies.
Did you know that drumming can also make your brain more efficient? That was the interesting conclusion of a recent study that looked at the brains of professional drummers and non-drummers. They found that drummers’ brains had a "more efficient neuronal design of cortical motor areas."
This is broadly related to drummers being ambidextrous - being able to use both left and right hands well. They can also perform complex rhythms with all 4 limbs at the same time.
So, while you're working on drum exercises to improve your weak hand, you're actually improving the efficiency of your brain!
Drumming and memory
You may not immediately think of drumming and memory in the same sentence. However, research has shown that drumming improves memory function - a skill vital to drummers!
A study involving drumming and singing training found that these forms of music education improved the verbal and visual memory in older people.
Drumming helps you make friends
An often-understated benefit of drumming is that drumming can help you meet people and widen your circle of friends.
Whether you play in a band or join a drum circle, drumming is a social activity. You're working towards a group goal. And playing a gig or performance together is a great way to bond with others.
My experience is that other drummers are often really nice people. Not only will they be able to pass on drumming tips, but you'll find that drumming is a great topic of conversation in itself!
Drumming and immunity
Drummers can also benefit from having a stronger immune system. Studies have shown that group drumming can increase the levels of a white blood cell called 'natural T-cells'. These cells form an important part of the immune system and help the body combat virus infections and cancer.
Drumming your way to health
Drumming has so many benefits. From drummers making friends, improving the immune system, or just releasing stress and anxiety.
An energetic practice could even count as one of your workouts for the week - ideal if you're struggling to find the time to fit everything into your busy schedule.
If you want to get into this fun way to good health, check out the resources below to help you get started with drumming and begin reaping the health rewards today!