Popercise

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Activity:  Popercise  

Target Participant Group:  Individuals with depression

Therapeutic potential of this activity:

• To boost participants' mood with exercise
• To provide opportunity for encouraging social interactions
• To provide an opportunity for increasing physical fitness

What other groups may benefit from this activity?

• Individuals with Autism 
• Individuals who are recovering from a stroke
• Anyone who would like to exercise and have fun at the same time!

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity?

• Individuals with severe hearing impairments

Activity description:

In Popercise, individuals exercise by dancing on top of bubble wrap!  Music can be selected based on the preferences of participants.  Popercise is highly adaptable in that participants can "work" whatever muscles they need to.  For example, participants' needs could range from wanting to boost their mood by being physically active, to a full cardiac workout, or to just working on regaining their hand muscles after a stroke (by squeezing the bubble wrap).  

   

Resources needed:

• Lots of bubble wrap!
• Open space
• Music

Best leadership style for this activity?

The best leadership style for this activity is one that is fun loving and enthusiastic, but that keeps safety in mind at the same time.  It is very important to make sure that no one trips or slips on the bubble wrap during this activity.

Where did I find this activity?

I found this activity at the Therapeutic Recreation Directory at http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txex.htm.

Where can others find more information on this activity?

For more information about exercise, check out the article "Best Fitness Routines Fit Your Personality" at http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/27/best-fitness-routines-fit-personality-studies/.