I’ve been for real about getting back into the gym — like boot-camp-three-times-a-week for real. But I wanted add some variety to my cardio, too. While browsing through my Facebook feed one day, I saw an ad for a workout with a group of women with rocking bodies holding green drumsticks.

“What’s this Pound all about?” I asked myself.

I did some research and apparently Pound fitness is gaining some serious traction. It’s been featured on television shows such as The Dr. Oz Show and The Steve Harvey Show and in magazines such as Glamour, Elle and O Magazine.

And while this type of exposure is great, I wasn’t quite sure how drumming sticks made for an effective workout. And then I tried it — with no real expectations — and within minutes it was clear just how dope and strenuous this workout was. 

Within five minutes, my best friend Emily and I were sweating — mind you this was just during the warm up. We kept looking at each other like, “Oh, these girls are not playing around.” We were squatting, lunging and planking all while banging those sticks around to the beat. I felt it in my core, arms, rear and thighs, which is exactly the kind of workout I was looking for. 

So what exactly is Pound?

Created by best friends and drum enthusiasts Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom, Pound is a full-body cardio jam session that combines light resistance with constant simulated drumming. The workout is a combination of Pilates, strengthening, cardio and plyometrics and Isometric poses. With the help of their Ripstix — green drumlike sticks that weigh one-forth of a pound — it’s supposed to burn between 400-900 calories an hour.

Potenza and Peerenboom told BET.com that this workout was born byaccident while having a jam session:  

"We didn't even realize we had been "working out" because we were so busy jamming out. But, when a deep, intense, full-body soreness popped up the next morning, we were harshly reminded that, 'Hey, drumming really IS a workout,' and 'Holy ish, we need to let people know about this!' We finally felt the motivation to workout that we had been missing."

From there Pound was born.

And what I really like about this program is that it's great for when you are traveling, as
the Ripstix travel well through TSA; Pound classes are being taught all around the country if you don't want to workout alone; and new free workouts are uploaded online. Plus, they have a great blog that shares healthy recipes and success stories. Not to mention, the price is affordable — the sticks and two DVDs are only $39.99. 

New to working out? That's fine too, because anyone, regardless of weight and fitness level, can do this workout. They have someone to show you modified versions of the moves if you find them too hard. Really, Pound is what you make of it. 

"If you can clap your hands to the beat, you can Pound. Imagine if working out was as fun, motivating and energizing as listening to your favorite jam. Well, that is Pound!" say Potenza and Peerenboom. 

The Verdict: Pound will defintely be a staple in my summer workout routine. 

Learn more about Pound and how to order it here.

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(Photo: Courtesy of Pound Fitness)