Think Again

The stereotype of a rock drummer may be more party animal than star athlete, but the stamina it takes to play for a concert tour is no joke, according to the results of the Clem Burke Drumming Project, a study conducted by scientists at the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester in Britain. Mr. Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has been participating in the study for eight years, allowing his heart rate, oxygen levels and other statistics to be monitored during his performances. The BBC reported that Mr. Burke’s heart averaged 140 to 150 beats per minute and peaked as high as 190. The numbers are comparable to that of athletes, but while they might reach that level once or twice a week, a drummer on tour is likely to do it almost every night. One goal of the research is to help develop programs enticing overweight children not interested in athletics to find alternate ways to stay fit.