I’ve never played a drum or drum kit of any kind (but always fancied it), but a video I came across on YouTube got me thinking. My thought is, buy a reasonably priced and popular electronic drum kit (much quieter as you can use headphones) and learn to play. I’m hoping this may help with whole body coordination as hands, arms, feet, legs and brain are used, maybe even the slight tremor I get occasionally.
I was looking in to boxing training for the same reason but struggling to find anyone or place that offers this.
A wonderful idea go for it. At the age of 90 I have only recently quit playing the drums after 76 years many as a pro. I read that playing the drums is the equal to a bike ride for exercise !
Hi, Dusty68!
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 3 years ago, also an undiagnosed muscle disease which I am waiting for results (and waiting!!!), and am finding it very difficult to live with the pain and discomfort, and not being able to let off steam as I used to be so active. Like you, I loved playing drums. My big love was football, I admit. I used to kick a small soft ball around the room as I could no longer play the real game. But, that soon got too much. I love your idea of the electronic drum kit. I want to do something to keep me in shape, tone up my belly muscles, without making my jerking and pain symptoms, other symptoms, worse. I’ve been reading about playing drums on a large exercise ball too, which I like the sound of. But, I’m going to look into an electronic drum kit. Have you bought one yet? Cheers for now. Freespirit
Thanks for your response’s guys. Well I’ve got permission from ‘her indoors’ to go ahead and order this . So after Xmas, I’ll be clearing out the spare bedroom then buying this kit. This video is worth a watch. I’ll keep you posted. Cheers, D.
Hi
I am learning to live with Parkinson’s which as you know seems to throw up new challengers every now and then, I have an electronic drum kit which i enjoy playing, I find it helps me forget about Parkinson’s for awhile and I’m sure it helps with coordination and exercise .
Cheers Tony
Right guys, that’s my Alesis Nitro Max Bundle eDrum Kit ordered. It should arrive tomorrow. It comes with a free 3 month subscription to a ‘learn to play the drums’ website which will be useful as I’m starting from scratch.
You guys make some good points. I’m hoping it helps with co-ordination but like the idea of it being a ‘workout’ and definitely the thought of taking my mind off PD for a while. I’ll keep you posted.
Rock on……
Cheers
D
Well, what can i say. I’m loving learning to play the drums. It is definitely a workout.
Obviously I started very slow without much co-ordination. But after a few sessions and using the video tutor, I can now play a couple of standard beats fairly well. It was a bit tricky introducing my right leg (bass drum) to work with my arms on snare and hi-hat. I really had to engage my brain to get them working together and on the correct beat. The lessons and beats are getting more challenging, but I believe this will help further to my co-ordination. I need to focus on timing as I’m speeding up when I should be holding the beat, it really does get you to use the brain to take control of limb movements.
It is very good exercise. I’m knackered both physically and mentally after an hour . Also, as was said above, it provides a little escapism from this awful disease.
Cheers
D
Hello, just had confirmation of Parkies and joined the community, will get my feet under the table first and come back to this post later, seventy years of drumming so a great interest of mine,
Hi Joe, and welcome to our friendly forum community. I just wanted to say hi and to let you know that we have a lot of very helpful information on our website at Parkinsons.org.uk including daily activities and research news. You can also call us at 0808 800 0303 for free and confidential one-on-one support.
I’m sure other members will jump in to welcome you. Meanwhile, I’d encourage you to look around and see what you discover.
Good to hear from you. I saw my PD Nurse last week and I told her I’d started learning to play the drums. She was delighted and told me it was probably one of the best forms of activity for PD. It certainly does feel like a workout after half to an hour session .
Do you still play?
Cheers. D
. So after Xmas, I’ll be clearing out the spare bedroom then buying this kit. This video is worth a watch. I’ll keep you posted. Cheers, D.
. Also, as was said above, it provides a little escapism from this awful disease.