Cardio Drumming | Kris Johnson

Kris Johnson has been teaching health and physical fitness for over 23 years. With a strong passion for getting people moving, she is always looking for creative new ways to encourage movement and fitness. When she learned about Cardio Drumming, she knew it would be a new and exciting addition to her PE curriculum. Kris found out about cardio drumming through her second job, teaching fitness programming at the local YMCA in Lexington, Nebraska. 

Kris used her Let’s Choose Love grant to purchase supplies for the cardio drumming program that will be used by each grade every year. All one needs to cardio drum is: a pair of drumsticks, an exercise ball, a bucket or basket to place the ball in, and music. Kris was able to purchase enough cardio drumming equipment for her students, so that each grade will be able to learn cardio drumming. 

Cardio drumming combines movement and music in an interactive drumming experience. According to Drum Magazine, “Cardio drumming is a fun and simple exercise that activates many muscles with high-intensity drumming movements.” Students will learn a variety of fitness and drumming movements that will create rhythm and promote aerobic exercise, activating different muscle groups and the cardiovascular system. As a low-impact workout, people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. 

Kris saw the cardio drumming program as a new and exciting challenge for her students, something new for them to try. She strives to include new challenges and opportunities for her students every year. “I like to challenge kids to try something new; even when they are uncomfortable, maybe if they try it they will like it. And if they keep trying they will keep improving, which helps build confidence.” Additionally, Kris said not all kids get to learn rhythm or get exposed to music in school, she saw the cardio drumming program as a way to add another layer of learning to her PE classes. 

Kris hopes this program encourages students to try new things and maybe explore other programs outside of school. She hopes that students will look forward to the cardio drumming unit every year, and is excited to see their progress over time. To share the program with her community, she plans to choreograph some rhythms to share at school wide assemblies and with parents. 

In addition to teaching at the elementary school and YMCA, Kris is a parent and active member of her community, promoting family and lifetime fitness throughout Lexington. 

Project Type: Education