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Posted: Tue 16th Jun 2026
Former headteacher Tamsin Ward is revolutionising wellbeing for older women through her innovative fitness business that combines drumming with exercise – and she's training other women across the UK to do the same.
After 28 years in education, finishing as a headteacher in special education, Devon-based Tamsin qualified as a personal trainer and exercise referral specialist to launch her brilliant idea – Drums4Health. Her business addresses a significant gap in the fitness market by creating an inclusive, non-competitive exercise option that appeals particularly to women over 50.
Tamsin explained:
"There's a lot of stuff out there for people who enjoy gym or yoga, but there was something missing.
"My eldest participant is 85, and she comes every week without fail. It's the brain engagement alongside the physical workout that makes it so powerful."
Drums4Health uses specially designed portable fitness drums that Tamsin had manufactured in Birmingham. Unlike bulky German alternatives, her drums are completely transportable, enabling her licensing model where she trains other women to run their own sessions across the country.
"I've got someone taking it on in Essex, somebody else in Devon, and interest from Chester," she said. "It's a licensing opportunity rather than a franchise – they learn the model, buy their drums, and whatever profit they make is yours."
The sessions combine rhythm learning with full-body movement, creating what participants describe as "Zumba with a drum". Tamsin's background in music education means sessions involve learning actual rhythms using different parts of the drum, not just hitting exercise balls.
She noted:
"Most people say by the end of a session, they've spent so long concentrating on the rhythms, they haven't realised they've had a really good workout."
The business model reflects Tamsin's commitment to inclusion and affordability. She provides all equipment and sends practice videos to participants at no extra cost. Her work extends into dementia care organisations and schools, where the combination of rhythm and movement proves particularly beneficial for brain health and neuroplasticity.
Tamsin funded her venture through a start-up loan from the British Business Bank and works with a business coach – an approach she credits as "key to the steps I've made in growing".
"Coming from education, which is quite institutional, suddenly it's like 'on you go, Tamsin, good luck,'" she reflected. "The coach challenges me and makes me think in different ways."
Currently running sessions for around 100 people weekly, Tamsin's vision is to have Drums4Health instructors in most major UK cities. She's also developing specialised programmes with music therapists and occupational therapists for young people with additional needs.
For women considering entrepreneurship later in life, Tamsin emphasises the importance of professional support: "Unless people are happy to be held accountable and challenged to think differently, it's much harder to grow."
With her first batch of 80 drums already allocated to new instructors and schools, Tamsin is proving that midlife career changes can create both personal fulfilment and business opportunities that benefit entire communities.
