'Footballers not as fit as drummers'

A recent study has revealed that drummers are fitter than footballers.

An eight-year study on Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, revealed that drumming for an hour-and-a-half raised his heart rate to same level as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in a typical league game.

But whereas footballers only play about 50 games a year, drummers generally play sets more often.

Dr Marcus Smith, who helped to carry out the research, said: "In one 12-month period, Clem played 90-minute sets at 100 concerts."

He added: "They [footballers] find playing a Champions League game once every two weeks a drain but musicians are doing it every day when they are on tour. Their fitness levels need to be outstanding."

According to Metro, scientists discovered that Burke's heart rate raced at between 140 and 150 beats per minute - but could peak at 190.

The star burned on average 400 to 600 calories per hour when beating the skins.

The research was part of the The Clem Burke Drumming Project, which is working with the government to create fitness programmes for overweight youths.