This month, our Class of The Month is POUND! We sat down with Katja and Chandra, two of our POUND instructors at Balance Gym Foggy Bottom, to learn more about the class, why they love it, and their tips for anyone interested in checking it out!
POUND is a full-body cardio jam session, combining light resistance with constant simulated drumming. The workout fuses cardio, Pilates, isometric movements, and plyometrics into a 45-minute series. You’ll drum your way to a leaner, slimmer physique – all while rocking out to your favorite music!
Why do you love POUND?
Katja: POUND is unlike any other workout I have ever done. It is a cardio-centric, full body workout, but since it is set to fun music, you get distracted by how fun the class is before you realize how much effort you have actually put into it. Before you know it, 45 minutes have flown by and you’ve had an amazing workout!
Chandra: There are so many amazing things about POUND. There’s an awesome playlist with music that will move you and make you smile. There’s the cathartic element of hitting things on the ground! I think my favorite thing about POUND is what a supportive fitness program it is. It encourages everyone to find their inner strength and inner rockstar. And it really is for any one and any body.
Why should other people try POUND?
Katja: If you’re looking for a new challenge and a new way to get your cardio in other than on a machine and also enjoy fun, upbeat music, you should definitely give POUND a try.
Chandra: It’s different! It isn’t like anything you’ve ever tried before. It’s like a rock concert where you’re the star! It’s also so fun and challenging all at the same time.
What’s your number one tip for someone who wants to try POUND for the first time, or someone who wants to make the class more challenging?
Katja: My number one tip is to always give the class 3-5 tries if you really like it, even if you feel like you’re not following it as well as you should. Since POUND is such a different style of class, a lot of people get discouraged because they think it’s too fast or they can’t keep the beat with their sticks. It takes a few classes for anyone to really get the hang of the rhythm and patterns that the class entails, so I always tell them that if they had fun and enjoyed the workout, but felt like a “fish out of water” at times, just give it time and they will be feeling more and more comfortable and confident with each class. My number two tip is to just have fun with it! And if someone is looking to make it more challenging, they can always go deeper into their squats (since we do a million during a typical class) or they can add jumps after their squats and go deeper into their lunges.
Chandra: Remember that everyone else in the class has been in your shoes before. They’ve each been new to the class. They’ve all made it through and have decided to come back! Don’t worry about messing up, because there are no mistakes – only drum solos.
Anything else people should know about POUND?
Katja: Just to reiterate, it takes time to feel comfortable with the style of the class. It’s a very cathartic class where you can release a ton of stress by hitting your sticks on the ground. So many people comment after class how it was such a great end to their stressful work day. It also burns TONS of calories and works the entire body so you’re building lots of full-body strength in POUND.
Chandra: This class isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having fun, letting go, and getting a little bit stronger – a little bit better each time you come.