Working out together for connection
- Tessa Hamers
- 29/09/2021
In short:
- Approach: Bringing people together through sports activities that are accessible and without obligation in the open air!
- Time investment: Monthly
- Costs: 50-100
- Resources: Sportswear and shoes Materials sports activities Dry weather
- Element for success: Enthusiasm and the will
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This project has started in 2019 in Lille (Northern France), after several exchanges between users and professionals of the "Housing first" program. The need to get out of the house, be active and spend time with people were top priorities.
The proposal had to be simple, accessible both financially and physically, with a minimum of non-binding commitment (possibility to cancel participation at the last minute).
After reflection and discussions, a proposal was made to test a Soft gym activity. It can be facilitated by two members of the team trained in the exercises. The collaboration with a voluntary psychomotor therapist made it possible to develop a program of simple and adapted exercises.
There is no minimum number of participants = only good weather is expected as the Soft Gym activity takes place in the open air.
The session is monthly and free.
After a break during the first lockdown from March to May 2020, the sessions resumed in the summer of 2020 for the greatest pleasure of all. Unfortunately, the second lockdown imposes another suspension of the sessions.
What are the expectations of these sessions?
It's about reconnecting the mind and body, regaining awareness of your body and finding sensations on different sensory levels.
It is also important to get out of your house and meet new people.
Over the course of the sessions, a group is formed and the reunions cause new discussions and exchanges between users.
What do the sessions look like?
The session preferably takes place in nature, in a park.
It takes place once a month for half a day.
It requires the presence of two professionals from the team and that one of them is trained in practicing the different exercises to be performed.
*The first part of the session consists of standing in a circle to wake up the body by rubbing and percussion, then warming up the joints (from head to toe).
*The second part, always in a circle, is done by different ball games. The games offered promote interaction between participants and memorization as it involves giving your first name to each ball pass or giving the first name of the person it is thrown at. This also makes it possible to test the understanding of each of the game instructions.
*The third part consists of 2 to 3 team games, chosen with the participants according to their wishes. Usually a penalty shoot out or a relay race.
*Finally, a final part is to reshape a circle to do the stretching and anchoring. It is recommended to take off your shoes to feel the ground, the grass under your feet, but also to lie on the floor and take the time to appreciate the present moment, the environment. This moment also allows you to discuss each other's feelings during the session
*There is also a break in the middle of the session with a snack (fruit drinks and cookies).
What are the advantages?
Tenants will find several benefits and contributions of the sessions offered:
- Reassessment of self-esteem
- Transcendence
- Sensory awakening
- To remember
- Mobility, Balance, Rhythm
- Body coordination
- Works muscle tension
- Connection body and mind
- Take back your body
-Group membership (social inclusion)
- Openness to others, making connections between people - Exchange and cooperation during exercises
-Be in the present, here and now
- Management of emotions through breathing exercises
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