Sweat to a pounding rhythm
STRAIGHT OUT OF LA: A NEW ROCK-OUT WORKOUT
Pound makes the pounds roll off.
Want to let loose, lose weight and get energised while toning up and totally rocking out? Then Pound is tailor-made for you.
The new routine incorporates rock ’n roll and intense world class cardio exercises that fuses full-body movements and drumming with ripstix, or simulated drumsticks.
Originally from Los Angeles, Pound co-creator Kirsten Potenza says the concept for the workout came about six years ago, when she decided to leave the athletic industry and venture more into fitness and health.
“I’ve been an athlete for most of my life and when I decided to make the shift from it, the next best thing was fitness. But I found it hard to find a routine which involved team playing and full body conditioning.”
The 45-minute workout uses the rhythmic movement found in percussion and fusing cardio, Pilates, isometric movement, and plyometrics (exercises in which muscles exert maximum force for short intervals of time, with the goal of increasing power speedstrength).
The workout is split into four groups which target different parts of the body.
“I wanted a place which felt empowering; an exercise that was 40 minutes long but targeted major parts on the body – and Pound was born,” says Potenza.
Positions and targets in Pound Sweat:
Because the workout centres on cardio, it is almost impossible not to sweat. So it is important that you stay hydrated before, during and after the class.
The first positions target mostly the legs with light hops, shuffle shifts and leg lunges – but not forgetting the thumping use of ripstix, which keep the upper body in movement.
Sculpt:
With twice the weight of a standard drumstick and slightly shorter in length, the Pound ripstix are designed to maxim- ise your workout and get you ripped through altering the physique of your arm movement to burn more calories.
While squatting, the stimulated use of the ripstix as weights comes into play. Putting focus on the biceps, triceps, shoulders and back, the movements involve pulling, pushing and rolling. In a single session, you are guaranteed to go through 15 thousand reps of drum hitting movement, which forces your body to perform to its ultimate.
Rock:
Aimed at developing and strengthening the abdominal and core muscles, workouts like planking, high-leg raised rowing and sit up are used. With Pound, you can expect a full cardio jam session combining light resistance with constant simulated drumming. Pound classes are fun and challenging, but the more you participate the better you become at it – and your body will show it.