Physical Fitness

This past week we talked about and experienced how physical fitness is beneficial for different populations. We went to one of the racquetball courts and played a number of games with adaptations. All of the games were types of New Games, because we were working together as two teams and there was no emphasis placed on working. Each team had a sheet and we were basically playing catch with a volleyball between our two sheets. They said that that game would be really effective for the geriatric population and for people with dementia. They challenged us to step back and play from a distance. This was actually pretty hard. I think this game would also be effective for people with autism, because it forces them to work together and connect. This game has many social benefits because teamwork is required.

We also played a game where there were two circles and your partner was in the opposite circle of you. When they called out an action, you had to find your partner and act it out. They used different things, such as "churning butter" and "mama and baby bear" and "humans vs. zombies." This was focused for people with autism and I think it could be used with for almost any population. It was a riot! I think people with physical disabilities could really have fun with this, whether they've suffered from spina bifida or an amputation or any physical disability. It really forces you to work your brain and be creative with your resources. It would enable people with physical disabilities to feel empowered because although they might look at a scene or action differently, it still works. Also, people with developmental disabilities might like this activity, as long as the actions are simple and straight forward.

The final game we played was called Humans and Zombies. This was adapted so we couldn't see, and so it would be doable with people with visual impairments. We had to walk around with our eyes closed and when we bumped into someone, we would scream. The game started out with one zombie and when the zombie bumps into a person, they don't scream and the other person does. When only one scream is heard, the other person knows that they turn into a zombie. When two zombies bump into one another, they both turn back into humans. It really made you think and be aware of your surroundings. I think you could also play this with people with hearing impairments and when you run into someone you have to squeeze their arm if you're a zombie. All the rules would apply, but you wouldn't need to use sound. All of these games are great for getting any population moving. They get their heart rates increasing and allow them to build muscle strength and endurance. These games also increase hand-eye coordination.