Strengthen your arms with these exercises
What's the story
African drumming is not just a cultural expression but an effective way to improve your physical fitness, especially your arm strength. The rhythmic patterns and repetitive motions of drumming can greatly aid muscular development. Here are five African drumming-inspired exercises that can help strengthen your arms. They will improve your endurance, coordination, and overall arm strength through fun and rhythmic movements.
Twirl technique
Drumstick twirls for wrist strength
Drumstick twirls are a basic exercise that is all about wrist flexibility and strength. By holding the drumsticks firmly and twirling them in circular motions, you can work out the muscles in your wrists and forearms. This will improve your grip strength and give you better control over the drumsticks while performing. Practicing this technique regularly will increase your arms' dexterity and endurance.
Circle motion
Rhythmic arm circles for shoulder endurance
Rhythmic arm circles simulate the action of beating huge drums, effectively working on shoulder muscles. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, extend your arms outwards, and move them in circular motions while maintaining a steady beat. Not only does this exercise strengthen shoulder muscles, but it also enhances coordination between the arms and shoulders. Practicing this regularly can improve your endurance during long drumming sessions.
Tap exercise
Alternating hand taps for coordination
Alternating hand taps require tapping different surfaces or imaginary drums with each hand in turn. This exercise improves hand-eye coordination while working multiple arm muscles at once. Start slowly to ensure accuracy, before speeding things up gradually as you get the hang of the movement pattern. Practicing alternating hand taps regularly goes a long way in improving overall arm agility.
Roll technique
Drum roll practice for speed enhancement
Drum roll practice emphasizes speed, with rapid alternating strokes of both hands across a surface or imaginary drumhead area. It doesn't compromise rhythm consistency through repeated tempos over time. Eventually, you master it, and it leads to faster execution rates in live performances. These require quick transitions between beats played consecutively, seamlessly. You maintain a smooth flow, no matter what. This is guaranteed beyond doubt.