This Malibu-based fitness class uses music and rhythm to improve focus and fitness
Words by KELLY ATTERTON
Drumboxing co-founder Christina Hinds, center, with fellow drumboxers.
Elite athletes Gabrielle Reece and Laird Hamilton, as well as world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore, are among the early adopters of Drumboxing, a unique mind-and-body workout buzzing around Malibu’s wellness scene. Now that a new 1,800-square-foot studio has opened at Malibu Country Mart, anyone can experience the 45-minute classes that combine boxing and drumming. “Drumboxing is a flow-state experience utilizing the rhythm of drumming and the movement of boxing to stimulate the brain and body,” explains co-founder Christina Hinds. Percussionist John Wakefield originally developed Drumboxing to help train professional boxers in mental fitness, agility, and adaptability.
The Drumboxing studio in Malibu.
LEFT: Christina Hinds. RIGHT: Live percussion accompanies the active meditation.
Music combined with movement offers a complete mind-body workout.
Together, Hinds and Wakefield believe music and rhythm are an extremely effective way to improve focus and concentration and are logical tools in the evolution of athletic training. Classes fly by as you play progressive rhythm patterns on the drums while bouncing around, working up a sweat. The studio, surrounded by a collection of notable art curated by Blaise Patrick, offers three levels of instruction: Restorative (low impact with soothing shamanic harmonies), Creative (medium cardio rounds to up-tempo patterns), and Performance (high cardio rounds to iconic music). $40/class. 23410 Civic Center Way, Ste. E9, Malibu; drumboxing.com
Feature image: The mashup of boxing and drumming produces a flow-state experience.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of C Magazine.
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