The purpose of this investigation is to examine the energy demand of heavy metal drummers during rehearsal in order to understand the physiological responses. This information may lead to a better understanding of energy expenditure and add to the compendium of physical activity. The investigation consisted of eight apparently healthy 20 to 37-year-old males were recruited for this investigation. Information gathered during the drum test was average VO2, VO2peak, HR in beats per minute (bpm), metabolic equivalents (METs), and energy expenditure (EE) expressed in calories (kcals) per minute and per hour. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used in addition to VO2 and HR values to assess physical demand. The Bruce Protocol maximal treadmill test was administered to compare the participants VO2max to their VO2peak while drumming. The EE during the 40-minute drum test was 387.05 + 83 kcals with an estimated hourly EE of 567.33 + 111.7 kcals. VO2, VO2peak, VE, and HR was 21.4 + 4.1 ml/kg/min, 33.9 + 8.1 ml/kg/min, 63.5 + 19 L/min, and 150.4 + 13.6 bpm respectively. The average MET level reached was six. RPE was 13.8 + 1.2 and is expressed as “somewhat hard” in difficulty according to the ACSM. Those categorized as having an average level of fitness reached 50-59% of their VO2max while the two individuals categorized as having an excellent level of fitness reached 42-45% of their VO2max. In conclusion, heavy metal drumming is a form of physical activity that is of moderate intensity and can be compared to other forms of recreational and work related physical activity.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a program evaluation of ACME’s worksite weight loss initiative and collect evidence relative to the efficacy of the program. An anonymous online survey was administered to participants of the weight loss initiative. The survey was designed to gather information relative to the research questions, which explored the initiative’s barriers to participation, alignment of initiative with the goals of participants, utilization of initiative resources, overall strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement for the weight loss initiative, as well as the respondents’ general profile for the six dimensions of wellness. Reporting of data included descriptive statistics, which contained means, frequencies, and percentages. Some questions required open-ended responses, which were grouped together to identify trends. Of the 35 employees enrolled in the initiative, 32 responded to the online survey. Only a small group of participants from the larger pool of members at the worksite were successfully recruited into the weight loss initiative. Some respondents reported feeling intimidated towards the thought of participating in the initiative, which suggests that the weight loss theme may have been a barrier to participation. The majority of respondents identified weight loss as their primary wellness goal for the New Year, which aligned with the decision by the wellness staff to provide a weight loss initiative at the beginning of the year. The majority of respondents felt that the personal training provided by ACME Wellness was a primary resource in facilitating goal achievement. All of the respondents were satisfied with their experience in the weight loss initiative, and most summarized their experience as challenging, motivating, and fun. Strengths of the weight loss initiative were identified as teamwork, motivational factors, and communication. Weaknesses included organization, participation, and readiness. Areas of improvement were identified as planning, structure, and promotional factors. Respondents scored favorably in the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellness, but not as high in the physical and occupational dimensions. The conclusions of this study suggest that weight loss initiatives can be an effective option for worksites since the design and implementation of such programs assist members in goal achievement.