Join our family of curious Kansas Citians

Discover unheard stories about Kansas City, every Thursday.

Thank you for subscribing!

Check your inbox, you should see something from us.

Sign Me Up
Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Making exercise fun through drumming

Lady drumming
Share this story
Sponsor Message Become a Flatland sponsor
1 minute read

For senior citizens, a good way to get some exercise is through group fitness classes like Drums Alive at the Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

Debbie Shearer teaches the class. She said introducing exercise into senior citizens’ routines is “part of staying alive.”

“If you don’t use it, you are going to lose the ability, and you are going to become deconditioned,” Shearer said. “And when you become deconditioned, then you start falling, you start having accidents, then you lose your independence.”

Tami Lickteig is the coordinator for the 50 Plus program at Johnson County Parks and Recreation. By introducing classes like Drums Alive, salsa dancing and “Cane-Fu” self defense, she’s hoping to draw more people to classes.

“I think it’s more fun than a traditional fitness class,” she said. “You’re doing something that is at any fitness level, and it’s something new and exciting.”

Shearer said class participants experience more than just physical benefits. They also leave Drums Alive with a smile.

“You get your heart rate up, you get hot, and then we have a cool down, and hopefully your mood is elevated, and you’re happier, and when you get out of here you’re a happier person,” she said.

Like what you are reading?

Discover more unheard stories about Kansas City, every Thursday.

Thank you for subscribing!

Check your inbox, you should see something from us.

Enter Email
Flatland relies on reader support to deliver in-depth coverage of the stories that are important to this region. Do your part and make your crucial donation now. Support Local Journalism
Sponsor Message Become a Flatland sponsor

Ready to read next

Local transgender blog reflects on gender fluidity in “Kumu Hina”

Read Story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *