Earlier this week, PACE Your LIFE participants enjoyed the first of what will now be a monthly Cardio Drumming class taught by PACE Your LIFE’s Community Engagement Coordinator and certified “Drums Alive” instructor Lyndsie Smyser.

Lyndsie teaches Cardio Drumming for PACE Your LIFE community outreach at a variety of locations within the PACE Your LIFE service area including the Milford Senior Center, the Harrington Senior Center, the Frederica Senior Center, the Bridgeville Library and the Milford Library.

Cardio Drumming is an outstanding cardiovascular workout, and is also proven to promote brain health. Drumming has shown to transmit impulses along a variety of nerve pathways in the brain, and to influence electric activity in many sensorimotor regions of the brain. Drumming synchronizes right and left brain activity, which has a therapeutic effect on the brain, and it has been shown to strengthen the immune system. There is even an association between drumming and an increase in cells that destroy viruses and cancerous tumors.

For those living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, Cardio Drumming helps them to focus their attention. For those experiencing PTSD or trauma, Cardio Drumming has been proven to significantly reduce stress. When Parkinson’s patients participate in Cardio Drumming, they have been able to improve their motor skills and coordination.

Cardio Drumming classes are accessible to everyone, as they can be performed either seated or standing, and Lyndsie provides modifications
for any mobility issues.

For our first Cardio Drumming class at the day center, we got into the holiday spirit and drummed to fun, upbeat Christmas songs! The playlist
will change monthly. Check out the events calendar on our website to see where Lyndsie teaches classes that are open to the public!