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Rush<\/a> drummer Anika Nilles<\/a> has been focused on the challenge of filling Neal Peart<\/a>\u2019s shoes, even when she\u2019s not onstage.<\/p>\n When the German musician accepted the daunting task of sitting behind the kit for Rush\u2019s Fifty Something<\/a> reunion tour, she knew it would require a massive commitment. Her dedication goes beyond just learning the parts, as Nilles has had to physically train for the role as well.<\/p>\n During a recent conversation with USA Today<\/em><\/a>, the drummer outlined her grueling routine. Nilles works out every other day, training with 45-pound dumbbells, cable machines and other pieces of exercise equipment.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t do cardio,\u201d Nilles pointed out, before adding that she\u2019s also seen by a physiotherapist after every concert. \u201cThere are shows when my arms are fine. And then there are shows when they are tired and tight. It doesn\u2019t matter how it feels, we work on it a little bit and the next day feels so much smoother.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: How Anika Nilles Became Rush’s New Drummer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The training is a necessity, given the demanding drum repertoire in Rush\u2019s catalog. Early on the tour, Nilles even refused to take her mid-show break. Rush\u2019s concerts have a built-in 20 minute intermission, yet she would continue drumming backstage in an effort to keep her muscles warm.<\/p>\n Rush\u2019s North American tour concludes Dec. 17 in Vancouver, but the band won\u2019t be slowing down for long. They\u2019ve got a slew of international dates lined up for early 2027, followed by a recently-announced May residency<\/a> at the Sphere<\/a> in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n Elsewhere in the interview, Nilles expressed her excitement to play at the state-of-the-art venue.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything is new for me there,\u201d she remarked. \u201cI saw video of No Doubt and Metallica and U2 and that was great.\u201d<\/p>\n We examine Rush’s 19 studio albums, from 1974’s muscular self-titled release to a series of remarkable late-career triumphs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Eduardo Rivadavia<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRush Albums Ranked<\/h2>\n