The sound of drumsticks and loud music could be heard at the Minoru Centre for Active Living on Wednesday with the Pound, an exercise with rock-star flair, returning to Richmond.
Pound consists of cardio, drumming and strength training with Pilates-inspired movements, explained Richmond Pound instructor, Lisa Sequeira. Participants can hold lightly weighted drumsticks, also known as Ripstick, to transform drumming into an effective workout while unleashing their inner rock star.
“The thing I like about the Pound is that it doesn’t matter what your level of fitness is, what age or physical condition you are in, everyone can try it. Plus, it’s a lot of fun,” said Sequeira.
As the only Pound instructor who has been teaching in Richmond for four years, Sequeira has taught children at schools and given lessons to seniors at Gilmore Gardens. She noted that the most exciting part of the Pound exercise is that it’s easily modified, meaning everyone can work at their own pace.
In the most recent class at Minoru Centre for Active Living, Sequeira had a student who couldn’t lay down on the ground due to a back issue. So she made some changes to the movements to ensure that the student wouldn’t miss the fun part due to physical limitations.
“I can make it easier or harder, depending on the participants. I always tell my students, you know what, I don’t care if you are going in the wrong direction. As long as you are moving your body, it’s great,” said Sequeira.
Unlike other fitness instructions, there aren’t many Pound instructors across the Lower Mainland, said Sequeira, adding that the pandemic also put a halt on the number of classes with the gym shutting down, forcing some instructors to quit teaching temporarily.
However, Sequeira is now happy to collaborate with the city to keep Pound exercise classes going.
Sequeira is currently holding Pounds classes at Minoru Centre each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m and will start classes on Sept. 9 at South Arm Community Centre each Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
