Beat that fat with Drums Alive!

An unusual fitness craze is sweeping Minnesota gyms that promises to get your heart pumping, feet tapping and belly giggling.

It's called Drums Alive! And it gives you a surprising workout with just drumsticks in your hands and a couple of makeshift drums at your feet. (The "drums" are actually giant stability balls sitting atop a square doughnut.)

Having been a certified fitness instructor for a dozen years, I'll be honest -- I was dubious, until I tried it this month and found myself working up a sweat and having a blast.

Doubter converted. I can attest that if you're shaking off that winter hibernation, are terrified of step classes or bored with the treadmill, Drums Alive! can offer a truly fun alternative to get in shape. Developed by Carrie Ekins in Germany as a powerful way to increase blood circulation, improve neurological responsiveness and boost the spirits of kids, seniors and everyone in between, it's taken off in Germany, Britain, Japan and the United States. And it's growing in popularity in Minnesota.

Packed classes are popping up at YMCAs in Andover, Midway St. Paul, Burnsville, Woodbury, New Hope, Edina and New Richmond. And the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) is offering workshops to woo new instructors.

During my trial class at the Central Square Community Center in South St. Paul, NETA instructor Debbie McEllistrem got a few of us "drum virgins" jamming to fresh and pulsating percussion music. She skillfully led us through a series of dynamic drum taps, dips, reaches and easy footwork. All to the beat.

Confession: I don't have rhythm.

The idea of banging to "the beat" in front of peer fitness instructors terrified me.

Turns out I wasn't alone. In fact, trying desperately (and missing) several beats with our drumsticks was part of the fun that sent Y instructor Nickie Carrigan and me into such spasms of laughter that we got a serious ab workout at the same time. However, it wasn't long before the music and McEllistrem's instruction nudged us to the rhythm and we got the hang of it -- tap the drum to the right, then tap the drum to the left. Half turn, and tap the drum behind you. Reach high and click your sticks.

I got it. I really got it!

For a moment, I let go my inner rock star and pretended I was dazzling U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. jamming at Madison Square Garden before reality reeled me in.

Getting lost in the sheer fun of class was no small feat, considering I'm so hopeless rhythmically that I belt out the eight-count beat of my step classes, supposedly for participants. (Shhhh. It's really for me.)

Turns out, that's the whole point of Drums Alive! Just get that body moving and have a good time. With my virgin drumming session behind me, I'll seek out more classes and am happy to report that more clubs in town are considering offering it.

Not sure I'm up for leading a class just yet, but boy, I loved rocking to the groovy beat. The whole class left the studio upbeat and giggly. Nothing bad about that.