Strengthening shoulders with African drumming techniques
What's the story
African drumming is not just a pulsating and deeply cultural musical experience, but also a surprisingly effective way to strengthen your shoulders. This article delves into how the rhythmic patterns and physical movements involved in African drumming can provide a fun and unconventional approach to shoulder workouts. By incorporating these techniques into your exercise regimen, you can build muscle strength, improve posture, and experience the rhythmic heartbeat of Africa.
Posture
Embrace the basics of drumming posture
The key to powerful drumming is a strong posture. Whether sitting or standing, keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed - imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head. This way, your shoulders are doing the work without getting tense. And, it also strengthens your shoulders over time, making them less susceptible to injury.
Strokes
Mastering drum strokes for shoulder strength
The various strokes used in African drumming involve different arm movements, including hitting the center of the drum for a deep tone or striking the edges for a sharper sound. These repetitive motions work your shoulder muscles, similar to how resistance training exercises do. By learning these strokes and drumming regularly, you can increase endurance and strength in your shoulders.
Dynamics
Incorporate dynamic movements into drumming sessions
To further amplify shoulder strength through African drumming, add a layer of movement to your sessions. This can be as simple as swaying side to side or making circular motions with your arms as you strike different rhythms. These movements not only improve range of motion and flexibility in the shoulders, but also introduce an aerobic component to your drumming workout.
Patterns
Utilize rhythmic patterns for interval training
Just as interval training utilizes different intensity levels for more effective workouts, switching between fast and slow rhythmic patterns while drumming can provide a great workout for your shoulders. Playing fast rhythms strains your muscles with intense bursts, while switching to slower tempos gives them a chance to recover. This way, you can gradually build both strength and endurance in your muscles.
Community
Engage in group drumming sessions
Group drumming sessions make exercising fun and push you to maintain intensity without noticing, thanks to the communal energy. The camaraderie and shared enthusiasm of group sessions drive individuals to challenge themselves while also fostering a sense of social connection. Since everyone is feeding off of everyone else's energy, you would be engaging your deltoids more intensely without it ever feeling like an intense workout.