Longtime workout buff Beth Colvincan be considered something of a POUND pioneer.

 

“It’s a really excellent cardio-based workout that, to my knowledge, nobody else is doing right now,” she says.

 

POUND is a percussion-based “rockout workout” that uses weighted drumsticks in 45-minute simulated drumming sets accompanied by a variety of tracks featuring edgy pop music. 

 

“You have different strategic peaks and valleys built into the workout, and that really builds your endurance,” Colvin says.

 

Jane’s Gym Olive Branch currently hosts four certified instructor, also known as “POUND Pros.” The exercise combines isometrics, simple movements and fast-paced cardio to the tune of 400 to 900 calories per workout. 

 

POUND was created by Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom, a pair of friends and drummers from California who saw calorie-burning potential in the everyday artistry of music. 

 

“They started designing this program and it just kind of took off from there,” Colvin says. “They are still producing new content, coming out with two or three tracks and workouts a month for certified instructors to learn.”

 

Colvin, who has been a certified POUND instructor for just six months, has already seen a large influx of prospective percussion enthusiasts, with the typical class hosting more than a dozen participants.

“I feel like this is one of those classes that can be suited for almost anybody,” she says. “There are so many different options and modifications for anyone interested that I can’t recommend it enough.”

While POUND provides an energetic cardio workout, Colvin says that slight changes have been made to the routine in the past to account for those with physical limitations.

 

“I know people in wheelchairs who have taken this class,runners, weightlifters — I can’t think of many who wouldn’t enjoy this,” she says.