Drumming as a Form of Cardio

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Jordan or Austin,

I’ll get straight to the point, I absolutely do not enjoy doing “traditional” forms of cardio. I’ve been skipping on it for a while now (running PB1) and I want to at least meet the minimum conditioning recommendations for health. The only “cardio” I enjoy is drumming. I play rock/metal drums, and I do notice my heartbeat increasing a significant amount while drumming, especially if the sessions are over 20-30 minutes long. I don’t remember the actual number, but I do recall rock drumming being a high MET activity.

I realize there may be limitations to this. Inherently, some songs are way faster/harder than other songs, which might make things a bit inconsistent. In addition, I’d have a hard time thinking of what RPE I’m drumming at because I need to concentrate on playing. Also, there is some forearm/shoulder fatigue while drumming (though I don’t think it’s that big of a deal). Despite this, I still want to hear your opinion of something along the lines of drumming 15-20 minutes every day, playing relatively faster-paced songs, and if that would make me meet the minimum cardio recommendations for health.

Thanks

2

While playing the drums certainly contributes to daily physical activity (3-3.8 METs), it’s it’s not really exercise that is likely to drive an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness in all but the least conditioned folks.

I can understand not doing conditioning work you don’t enjoy, but I would strongly advise finding a modality that you will do.