How To Make Drum Lessons Fun and Exciting

Learning to play the drums doesn’t come easy for most people. Some who are naturally gifted learn faster than those who aren’t musically inclined. It can sometimes be frustrating attending lessons and still failing to hit the right notes.

Practising in between lessons can help improve drumming skills, but it can sometimes get boring and monotonous. If you have been attending drumming lessons but can’t still catch up, maybe it’s time to take a breather and do something different. Here are some ways to have enjoyable drum lessons that can help improve drumming skills.

1. Play Along To Music

Most people become interested to learn a new musical instrument because of their favourite band. If you are a student, maybe in your next class, you can suggest to your teacher to let the students play along with their favourite band. This will give you and the other students a break from the usual songs or music in the class.

If you are the teacher, then maybe you can ask your students to choose a band that they would like to play along with. This will not only make the drum lessons fun but it can also help improve students’ listening skills, which is very important in music.

2. Practice Free Play Exercise

You don’t always have to play by the book. Part of enjoying and making music is hearing what sounds an instrument can make when played. Just let go and play the drums anyway you want. Hit the drums without following any rules or patterns. Do a fast or slow rhythm, or make soft and loud sounds, it’s all up to you.

This can help you stay motivated and even learn new things. Who knows, you can even come up with your original music by practising free play exercises. Free play works not only on adults but with children, too. The excitement and fun can be great motivators for children.

3. Pay Attention To The Details

Most of the time, it is easier to focus on the details to get things right. For instance, you’ve been practising paradiddles but still can’t get the hang of it. Maybe you’re too focused on playing the right stickings and had forgotten about the other elements. When practising paradiddles, you also want to ensure that your hands are hitting in the drum’s centre and that they are playing with the same height of the stick and at the same volume.

You’ll find that you can play paradiddles at different volumes as well as tempos. Focusing on the details will make you appreciate drumming lessons more and you’ll find the exercise less monotonous and even more challenging.

4. Develop Your Own Concept

No matter how much you love music and love to learn to play the drums, your teacher will have to ask you to play repetitive patterns for a long time, which can get boring. Don’t blame your teacher, it’s all part of mastering the drums because it’s all about consistency.

To make repetitive exercises more enjoyable, you can always add your own ideas. Try playing with it by adding some accents. If the exercise requires hitting on just one drum, why not add another drum and find out how it will sound. Your teacher will appreciate that you are taking the lesson seriously and you get the chance to play around with the drums.

5. Take A Break

Everyone needs a break every now and then. If you’re feeling frustrated or bored while practising for hours, then it’s okay to take a break. You’ll find yourself more productive if you take breaks at least every 90 minutes. This can help fight boredom and give you a new perspective. Most of the time, a few minutes of break can help clear your mind and perform better.

Drumming lessons should be fun and not boring. But let’s face it, most of the time the practices are repetitive which can be tedious. However, there are always ways to inject some fun even into the most boring drum lessons.

How Myotherapy Helped Me Achieve a Pain-Free Body

Adulthood brought a lot of changes to my body as I grew older. It is difficult to focus on my activities whenever I’m experiencing body pains. That is why I am very thankful I’ve tried Myotherapy. It brought a lot of improvements to my body and they are the following:

Reduce Body Pain

Body pain is so common particularly in an elderly like me. These body aches and pains can last for hours, even days. However, there are also body pains that last only for a short period of time. Myotherapy is a big help to me because it significantly provides huge relief from many body pains I experience on a daily basis. 

Undergoing myotherapy for several months now has taught me that it helps reduce the pain by dealing with its mechanical origins like muscles, joints, and ligaments in my lower back. 

Dealing with these body pains requires the right evaluation and treatments from the professionals. My therapists are the ones who specialize in dealing with the causes of pain in the musculoskeletal system. It is important to ask for their assessments because it would only worsen the pain if we do not divulge our health and medical status prior to undergoing myotherapy.  

Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention

Being injured is common for everyone. I’ve had injuries before, caused by different things such as tripping over an object on the floor. But some are from faulty body mechanisms. It is very difficult being injured because it hinders my daily activities. Thankfully, Myotherapy is a great help to my rehabilitation and prevention.

At first, the therapist evaluated the cause of my injury, then established the findings. The myotherapist treated the injury. The therapist also prescribed relevant exercises that were good for my injury rehabilitation. Those exercises were outlined for my faster recovery. 

This is when I realized that myotherapy is not just for rehabilitation but also for injury prevention. One of the best benefits from Myotherapy is its ability to improve mobility and efficiency of movement in our body. 

The treatment helps with movements of joints and improvements of tissues through cupping, dry needling, and remedial massage. 

Improve Posture

Over time, poor posture is one of the problems I’ve struggled with since my younger years. Symptoms such as body aches and pains, rounded shoulders, and head that leans either forward or backward leads to poor posture. Fortunately, myotherapy helps release painful trigger points in the overworked muscles and extend muscles that are stuck in a compressed posture. 

Cure Headaches

Another common problem that older adults like me usually face are headaches. Although headaches aren’t grave, they can still be burdensome to us. Experiencing this could make us lose our focus on what we do. That is why it is very important to treat this whenever it occurs. But we should know first what type of headache we have before getting the right treatment.

Myotherapy treats our headaches by integrating trigger point release of the sub occipital muscles, stretching works and cervical mobilization to mitigate symptoms within just a day. Therapists may also prescribe exercises that can be performed at home so that tension headaches can be treated outside the clinic. 

Reduce Stress Levels

Every day is filled with uncertainties. There are a lot of things that add up to our stress. It is very important to lessen our stress levels for us to live a comfortable life. Using myotherapy treatment, our circulation is increased, and muscle tension is reduced. This helps in calming our nerves and relaxing our mind and body. 

This therapy also stimulates our body to release hormones that help reduce both physical and emotional stress. These hormones are dopamine, endorphins, and serotonins. 

We should not endure the pains we feel in our body. It is important to treat our aches as early as possible. Let’s live a pain-free life – try myotherapy.

4 Reasons Why You Should Try Pilates Now

I have tried many different workouts before like cardio, yoga, weight training, and even tried to do several sports but they didn’t seem to work for me. Yes, they did help me achieve my weight goal and kept me fit but nothing gives me complete satisfaction as Pilates does.

I’ve always felt more tired and less energetic after a workout. However, with Pilates, it made me feel better than ever. If you haven’t tried it yet, here are four reasons why you should do it now.

But First, What is Pilates?

Many would probably think that it’s just another workout fad that will soon fade after several years. Well, I was surprised to find out that it has been around way longer than my existence. Pilates is a full-body and low-impact exercise that targets the core and helps strengthen the muscles.

Since the core body is our main foundation, it helps improve not only our posture but our mobility and flexibility too.

At first, I thought that it will only tone my abs but my instructor told me that it will work out my whole body including my thighs, back, and hips. True enough, after several sessions, there was a big improvement in my body.

Why Try it Now?

1. Pilates Is For Everyone

No one is too old nor too young to do Pilates. Beginners, seasoned athletes, or even someone like me who’s somehow in between can do it. Those with injuries will also find Pilates very helpful with their recoveries. 

The good thing about this exercise regimen is that it is adaptable and can be modified depending on your level and needs. A lot of people with injuries have recovered faster without the pain from Pilates.

2. A Mind and Body Workout

Another reason to love this discipline is because it keeps me calm and relaxed after a session. During Pilates sessions in Fitzroy North, it clears my mind and just lets me concentrate on my mind and body. It keeps me focused on my goal and helps me forget about the daily stresses in my life.

This is probably why I feel lighter and happier after my session. It almost has the same effect as meditation and yoga, but even better.

3. It Is Everywhere

Pilates aficionados are everywhere that I even see them live close to me. Actually, fitness centers offering Pilates sessions can easily be sought because they are scattered all around, whether you are in the city centre or suburb area.

It seems like Pilates has become a fad to the locals inclined to fitness especially since this kind of workout provides a number of health benefits. Finding a local Pilates instructor has become easier as well.

4. Proportioned and Well-toned Body

My only goal is to have a toned and strong body without the bulk and this is exactly what Pilates did to me. Unlike with other workouts that had me developed bulky muscles, with Pilates I was able to achieve long and lean muscles that are well proportioned to my physique.

There is nothing wrong with developing bulky muscles though, but it’s just not fit for my body type. I used to have that kind of body but realized that it’s not what I wanted to achieve.

Pilates had truly changed my life for the better. Not only with my physical body but also with my mind. I noticed that my anxiety attacks were lessened after months of training.

It also made me felt lighter, calmer, and happier. Plus, it did not require me to workout every day and was still able to achieve my fitness goal.

Aside from that, even if I do not have much time to hit the gym, it can be done at home and without the need to use large exercise equipment. An instructional video and a simple mat will do to perform Pilates at home.

Why Getting a Facial Should be a Regular Routine for Women (and Men)

Have you ever had a facial? If you haven’t, then you’re missing out on a large part of your life! I’ve found that a facial after a bad month or even a week can really help revitalize the body and get you back on track.

While I can’t claim a solid facial routine, I have a favorite skin clinic in Hoppers Crossing area that I keep going back to every time I need to cheer myself up.

So what’s in a facial? Here are some things to expect and enjoy.

The Consultation

A facial is usually conducted by a licensed esthetician who can first figure out exactly what you need after a thorough consultation. There can be a talk about stress, skin care, allergies, and any other concern that might be necessary to perform the facial.

This is important since estheticians use all kinds of skin products to get the job done and they need to make sure all those items work with the skin.

The Comfort

Once the consultation is over, there’s the prep work. If you’ve had a massage before, it’s a lot like this. A plump bathrobe is often given along with a towel for the hair and of course – really soft slippers. I find that taking off the shoes and using something that just cushions the ankles is a high part of the facial process.

The Ambience

One of the best things about the facial is really the general feel of the place. It’s just soft music and essential oils in the humidifier that just makes the room smell so wonderful. The whole setup is designed to make customers feel relaxed and replete.

Some read while others use their phone – but everyone gets to unwind and just forget about all the deadlines they have while sitting on that chair.

The Facial Itself

Of course, there’s the facial itself which I adore. No matter what product I buy, I can’t seem to match the cleaning process that an actual skin clinic can do for the skin. It starts with a steam of the skin which helps open up the pores. This helps remove dirt, oil, and clogs on the skin for a good cleansing.

For those who have pimples, cleansing and steaming are often followed by extractions. White heads and blackheads are also removed from the skin – leaving it perfectly devoid of the accumulated bad-vibes.

Exfoliating comes next which is when all the dead skin is scrubbed off, leaving only the young and smooth skin surface.

This is my favorite part of the whole facial process because you can really feel the esthetician doing her magic. Sure, it might be a bit uncomfortable during the extraction part – but once the face massage happens, everything is forgotten.

There’s something about having expert and soothing hands moving over the face that takes away all the stress. It also helps promote blood flow and reduce the chances of wrinkles on the skin.

Facial Massage and Facial Mask

So after the cleansing, extraction, and exfoliation – get ready for a really long facial massage. I often fall asleep during this time as the hand movement is incredibly relaxing. After the massage, a facial mask is carefully applied on the surface of the skin. There are usually several types of mask so clients can choose what they want.

Plump and Rosy Skin

Finally – the mask is removed and we’re just left with a plump, rosy, and stress-free skin.

At the end of the whole facial process, the attendants would usually leave one alone so they can fully relax and get back to a normal state. I like to take these few minutes to soak in all the pampering and just shrug off all the stress I’ve been carrying for the past few weeks.

By the time I pick myself off the table – I’m ready to start on life again. Hopefully, that’s the exact same reaction you’d get after a facial!

5 Benefits of Professional Office Cleaning Services

An average employee spends almost half of his waking hours at work. Having a clean and neat office is, therefore, a necessity than a luxury.

While employers have an internal staff to sweep and wipe the surfaces, I learned from experience to commission the help of a professional cleaning provider to thoroughly clean the nooks and crannies of the building.

The benefits of having a clean, organized office far outweighs the costs. Let me share 5 ultimate reasons why you should invest in wiping and mopping the floors to perfection:

Increased Work Productivity

A clean space equals a clean mind. Studies found that freeing the environment from clutter leads to increased work productivity.

Have you ever tried working in a messy desk? Then you know best how difficult it is to concentrate with too many obstructions.

Your attention is limited. With too many unnecessary stimuli competing for your attention, your productivity naturally decreases.

So when I can’t find time to remove those stubborn wall and carpet stains, I hire a professional cleaner.

They may appear harmless and irrelevant but these eyesores unconsciously pull down my drive.

Positive Company Culture

The benefits of having a clean work environment do not stop at the tangible results (i.e., productivity and revenue).

With a nice workspace also comes a nicer company culture. Don’t you just love to dress up and talk to clients confidently when your meeting rooms are equally clean, attractive, and fresh?

If the walls are painted with happy colors and the furniture pieces are sparkling with confidence, the employees are likely to exude the same vibe.

Again, these less-tangible benefits happen at the subconscious level. Everything is a play of perception.

Reduced Risk of Disease Contamination

Communicable diseases easily spread within closed spaces. My seatmate came to work with the first signs of flu, then I experienced the same symptoms just after a few days at work.

Having open spaces is great, but this doesn’t guarantee complete health safety at all.

A regular thorough professional cleaning of spaces, however, can help reduce the risk of spreading viruses.

Besides the usual vacuuming and dusting, professional office cleaning services can include sanitizing tools (e.g., computers, phones, pantry equipment, projectors), furniture (e.g., door knobs, counter tops), and other items (e.g., faucets, windows).

These preventive measures are necessary in crowded offices like mine.

Better Brand Image

You are what you wear and you are where you work. An insurance agent who brings a client to a messy, smelly office space will likely to receive a bad first impression.

The same thing happens during employment interviews. I likely perceive a company backward and poorly managed if its building is dusty, worn-out, and disorganized.

First impressions matter. In the business world, the design and cleanliness of your interiors are like what clothes are to a person.

They define the brand image. So if you’re keen to improve brand equity and revenue, don’t cut the budget for cleaning.

A clean office goes a long in silently marketing your brand to the public – tried and tested myself.

Increased Long-term Savings

Employers often overlook cleaning and organizing their offices and focus their efforts more on generating sales.

I know some employers who would totally disregard hiring cleaners, thinking that doing so eats up the operational costs.

It’s perfectly understandable to be minding the cash flow but neglecting cleaning can potentially damage the precious the movement of money one day.

For instance, one can prevent carpets from being severely stained and save cabinets from deep-seated dirt with regular cleaning.

While most cleaning providers offer a range of budget-friendly prices, the cost of deep cleaning is far higher than ordinary cleaning.

Not to mention, you may have to spend on repair or replacement costs if the damage is too much.

Prevention is always better than cure. Thus you should allot a reasonable budget for cleaning.

If you wish to hire an internal housekeeper on a part-time basis, it’s perfectly fine. But I find hiring professional cleaners occasionally is a good, strategic investment.

5 Things You Need to Consider When Buying a Mini Trampoline in Australia

Mini trampolines are nothing new. Sure, they have their origins from the full-sized trampolines that some of us may have in our backyards. What I am quite excited about is the growing popularity of portable rebounders. An officemate of mine bought one last week.

A friend is also contemplating on buying her own mini trampoline. The thing is, mini trampolines can be a safer and more fun way to burn calories while also enhancing core stability and joint flexibility.

But then, everything depends on whether you get the right mini trampoline or not. Hence, I decided to share with you the 5 things that you have to think about when deciding on the best mini trampoline to buy in Australia. Here they are:

1. Durability and Size of the Trampoline Mat

It matters a lot that the trampoline’s surface comes with a strong and durable material. Remember, this is the surface that will take most of your weight. As such, it is important to check out the material used in the mini trampoline’s construction. Inexpensive ones often use canvas or some other similar material.

There are also those that use polypropylene and other more advanced and stronger materials. The diameter of the mat also matters. If you don’t have the luxury of space at home, then you may need a smaller diameter. If space is not an issue, then get a larger size. You will be able to bounce more and execute more exercises on a larger surface area.

2. Sturdiness of the Frame

While the material construction of the trampoline mat matters a lot, do not forget to assess the quality of the frame, too. This is the structure that supports the mat. In a way, it is the skeleton of the mini trampoline. You would want it to be strong.

Always go for high-gauge steel frame instead of plastic or some other material. Make sure that the steel is thick. Also consider the rebounder’s user weight capacity. It will give you an idea of how strong the system is.

3. Material Used in Generating Bounce

It should be obvious that having a trampoline mat and frame are enough to let you bounce high up into the air. There must be a mechanism that attaches the mat to the frame. The same mechanism is also what gives the trampoline its bouncy action.

If you want to bounce high, go for mini trampolines with steel springs. However, be mindful that they are stiffer than other systems. As such, you may feel a bit of pressure on the knees as you land on the mat. Other rebounders come with bungee cord-like resistance bands. They are friendly to the joints but may not offer you a high bounce.

4. Additional Features

There are mini trampolines that come with stability bars. These are perfect for keeping you safe against accidental falls. Some also come with a frame cover, bridging the gap between the mat and the frame.

This feature also improves safety while protecting the spring mechanism. One feature you may want to consider is a mini trampoline’s foldable design. This means you can pack it and bring it with you wherever you go.

5. Price

Entry-level mini trampolines often come with a price tag below A$100. High-end rebounders, meanwhile, are those priced at A$400 and upwards. Expect the materials, construction, and features to vary depending on the price range. However, there are mini trampolines that can offer you exceptional value.

Picking the best mini trampoline in Australia to buy should not be very difficult, as my colleagues and friends have shown. By considering these 5 things, you can also bring home the right rebounder for you.