10 Social Distancing PE Activities & Games
Introduction:
In the current times of social distancing, it’s important to find creative ways to stay active and engage in physical education. Luckily, there are plenty of activities and games that can be enjoyed while maintaining a safe distance from others. Whether you’re a teacher looking for ideas or a student wanting to have fun, here are 10 social distancing PE activities and games to try.
1. Obstacle Course:
Set up a challenging obstacle course that allows students to maintain distance throughout. Incorporate jumping, crawling, balancing, and other movements to keep it exciting. Time each participant to make it competitive.
2. Yoga:
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Choose a spacious outdoor area and conduct a socially-distanced yoga class. Provide guided instructions and focus on relaxation techniques.
3. Dance Off:
Organize a virtual dance off where participants can showcase their moves from their respective locations. Use video conferencing platforms to stream the event live, allowing everyone to cheer each other on.
4. Fitness Circuit:
Design a fitness circuit with different stations spread out in a large area. Assign specific exercises at each station and ensure participants maintain distance while completing the circuit. Include exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks.
5. Outdoor Sports:
Play sports that naturally allow for social distancing, such as tennis, badminton, or frisbee. Choose open spaces and ensure participants bring their own equipment. Emphasize the importance of not sharing personal gear.
6. Scavenger Hunt:
Organize a socially-distanced scavenger hunt by hiding clues or objects in different areas. Encourage participants to search individually or in small groups while maintaining proper distance. Provide prizes for the winners.
7. Tabata Workout:
Tabata is a high-intensity interval training workout that can be adapted for social distancing. Assign exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, or mountain climbers and alternate between short intense bursts and recovery periods. Participants can maintain distance while performing the exercises.
8. Balloon Volleyball:
Set up a modified version of volleyball using balloons instead of a ball. Participants can hit the balloon over a makeshift net while staying in their respective areas. This keeps the game fun and socially distanced.
9. Hula Hoop Challenge:
Challenge participants to a hula hoop competition where they have to keep the hoop spinning for the longest time. Set up separate hula hoop stations and ensure everyone maintains distance. The person with the longest spinning time wins!
10. Relay Races:
Organize relay races that require participants to run or perform certain tasks individually or in small teams. Designate specific lanes or areas for each participant to ensure proper distancing. Time each team and declare winners accordingly.
Conclusion:
Staying active and engaging in physical education is essential for both mental and physical well-being, even during times of social distancing. These 10 fun and safe social distancing PE activities and games provide opportunities for students and individuals to stay active, enjoy themselves, and maintain social distance. Remember to follow local health guidelines and ensure the safety of all participants throughout these activities.