WHITING -- Forrest Akemann isn't your typical 16-year-old, unless your average 16-year-old teaches classes to area adults at The Wellness Spa in Whiting.

Since he was 6, Forrest, a junior at Stevens Point Area Senior High, has been playing drums of some kind and after stumbling across the African drum, began his latest musical affair. Now he teaches African drumming at the local spa.

"It's used for a lot of different things," Forrest said. "It's a good stress relief I could suggest to anybody because it really is for anybody."

Although some class participants often confuse Forrest for a college student, they don't confuse his class for time wasted.

After offering African drumming at the end of last year, the winter session began last Thursday with Forrest in tow.

"It's a very exciting class," said Mayra Marrero, the events director for The Wellness Spa. "He's an excellent instructor. ... Everyone who has taken the class just has a great time."

Not your typical fitness class, African drumming combines the beats of the drum with a sense of soothing. Regardless of the participants' energy, the sound travels across the room to move your body to the rhythm as well.

"For most people, they don't know what it is, but after they hear it, they're hooked," Forrest said. "You really have to hear it and see the energy and everything to really get an appreciation for it."

The drumming class also fits well into the purpose of The Wellness Spa, which is to provide activities that benefit the mind and body.

"It's really a holistic approach," Marrero said. "Looking at the benefits that you receive from African drumming ... it does soothe the soul."

And it also soothes the wallet. Drop-in classes are $12 and a drums can be rented at $5 per class. But if a personal African drum is what's sought, The Wellness Spa also has those for sale, ranging in price from $159 to about $300.

The first day may be difficult, but that shouldn't prevent anyone from either beating out their frustrations or using the beats of the drum as meditation.

"With most things, it's the first day that makes or breaks you," Forrest said. "You may not know what you're getting yourself into, but you're going to like it and you're going to want to come back."

What: African Drumming Class
When: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Where: The Wellness Spa, 3916 Water St., Whiting
Cost: $12 per class or $80 for eight weeks
More info: Call 715-341-3333