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What is Rhythm Gym??
Rhythm Gym programs combine movement activities and drumming in a creative environment that promotes teamwork, socializing, healthy lifestyles and fun.
Kalani – Master Drum Circle Facilitator, Orff-Schulwerk Practitioner, Gymnast, and Rhythm Gym Co-Founder:
“The foundation for Rhythm Gym began in 2002 when I was looking for a way to combine two of my favorite activities: making music and exercising. As a gymnast and gymnastics instructor, I have always maintained a healthy lifestyle. I have been a member of many health clubs over the years and participated in just about every kind of program. While I enjoyed the exercise aspects of most programs, I felt there was something missing from the experience. I’m sure many others have felt the same way, finding themselves sweating in a room with 50 other people and never once having direct contact with any of them. Two health-promoting aspects were all but missing from many classes, the social and the playful. Research tells us that people who feel like they’re part of a community and feel supported by their peers show lower stress levels and live happier lives. We also know that there are similar benefits that come from creative play and self-expression – playing music for example.
The answer was simple: Combine the physical aspects of aerobic exercise with the creative and social aspects of group drumming. Back then I called it “Tashiko Fitness Drumming,” and offered classes at my local gym. During a Tashiko class, people would form circles, partnerships, and small groups. Activities included light dance, body percussion, toning/singing, playing small percussion instruments and even large strap-on “ashiko” drums. The classes closed with a guided imagery relaxation. Fitness Drumming was a hit (no pun intended). Now folks were sweating AND smiling.
Janet approached me with the idea of creating a non-profit to make these programs accessible to under-served communities and after-school programs. It was a natural extension for this work that has great potential to serve as a life-enhancing tool for everyone who uses it.
The children's programs are largely based on my work as an Orff-Schulwerk practitioner, Drum Circle Music (DCM) facilitator, and gymnastics instructor. Orff-Schulwerk is a holistic approach to music and movement education. DCM is a way to help people be together in rhythm and develop rhythmic skills, and gymnastics is about physical and mental strengthening. With music and fitness programs being reduced as much as 90% in some areas, programs like Rhythm Gym are needed now more than ever.”
Rhythm Gym programs feature proven strategies that increase timing, coordination, social skills, confidence, and promote a general sense of wellbeing. All programs are accessible, safe and supported by therapists, doctors, trainers, and other health professionals. We welcome new members to the RG team. If you are interested in serving as a program developer or RG facilitator, call or email us with your ideas and information.
The Rhythm Gym team is growing to include people from all across the US and beyond. As a non-profit, we are able to reach out to under-served communities and bring the benefits of Rhythm Gym to the people who need it the most. Our goal is to offer RG services and training at little or no cost to those in need and create more programs that meet the needs of specific populations. Currently, Rhythm Gym offers four program models: Rhythm Gym Community (Families), Rhythm Gym Health (Care Centers), Rhythm Gym Workout (Fitness), and Rhythm Gym Kids (Schools).
Why do our children, families, and communities need Rhythm Gym?
- Rhythm is timing and timing is efficiency.
- Rhythm is coordination and coordination is safety.
- Rhythm is feeling and feeling is awareness.
- Rhythm is listening and listening is communication.
- Rhythm is creativity and creativity is problem solving.
- Rhythm is initiative and initiative is confidence.
- Rhythm is phrasing and phrasing is balance.
- Rhythm is precision and precision is performance.
- Rhythm is cooperation and cooperation is community.
- Rhythm is unity and unity is power.
Rhythm Gym address the growing needs of communities by providing scalable programs that provide:
- Educational Enrichment
- Health and Fitness
- Socializing and Stress Reduction
Rhythm Gym - growing healthy communities from the inside – out.