Finding a fitness routine that works for you can be challenging. Companies and websites offer so many different ways you can burn calories and gain muscle. Many people don’t realize that in addition to typical workouts, many fun leisure activities can make you sweat and get your heart pumping.

One such hobby is playing a musical instrument. Though burning calories may not be the sole or even primary purpose of playing a musical instrument, it can help build specific muscle groups and stamina depending on what you choose to play. Here are the four best instruments for getting an excellent, all-around workout.

1) Drums

It should be no surprise that the drums are number one on this list. Just watching drummers move their arms, especially at a fast tempo, can make someone feel tired. Drummers work their biceps, quadriceps, and hamstrings, and if they play faster songs, they get cardio, too!

Many people start out learning on a drum set. Though it can seem nerve-wracking and expensive to pick the instruments for a whole set, you can buy used cymbals and drums in excellent condition for a fraction of the usual cost.

2) Trombone

Many people overlook the trombone. After all, the player simply sits there and moves their hand back and forth, right?

It requires a significant amount of controlled breathing to play any brass instrument, especially a larger one in a lower register. Also, the trombone requires players to move their arms and hold different positions to play different notes. The instrument is relatively heavy, too! The trombone builds endurance and stamina.

3) Rock Guitar

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments to learn to play. If you’ve always wanted to pick it up, now’s the time to do so. Playing the guitar, especially in the rock genre, can provide you with plenty of exercise.

We specify the rock genre because it requires the player to move both hands quickly and accurately. It’s also the genre that encourages you to stand and jump around the most. Shredding on an electric guitar sitting down doesn’t have quite the same impact.

4) Violin

The violin isn’t just for classical music anymore. It’s a versatile instrument that many musicians use in the pop, country, and rap genres, to name a few. Now, violin enthusiasts like those at The Violin Channel approximate that one hour of playing the violin can burn up to 175 calories!

Violin requires finger dexterity and strength, as well as strength in the player’s bow arm. You’ll also need a sturdy chin to hold the violin up to play in the first place. Again, standing up and playing will give you better results than sitting, so try playing a genre that makes you want to get up and dance along!

In Conclusion

Learning to play a musical instrument is worthwhile for a variety of different reasons. You’re learning an impressive skill while exercising in the process. All instruments provide exercise to some degree, but these four won’t fail in helping you work up a sweat.

If you already know how to play something, consider joining a marching band if you want to get fit. It’s an intense cardiovascular workout, combined with the complexity of playing music and remembering your marks on a field. After completing a ten to fifteen-minute marching band show, you’ll certainly work up a sweat!