Anyone got an idea for, or used, a really quick physical energiser for a large group (35) for immediately after lunch? Want to try something a little more creative than simply getting them to run on the spot!! The group will be mainly young people (18 - 25) if that helps...!
Regards
Sarah Daley
Sarah Daley
4 Responses
Count to 10 in Japanese
Hi Sarah
One that’s always worked well for me, in groups of up to 100, is counting to 10 in japanese.
It’s physical in the fact that people have to stand up to do the accompanying actions, it’s great fun, and people love to share it with family and friends afterwards!
Please email me on startdevelopment@aol.com if you’d like the numbers and corresponding actions.
Best wishes
Kirsten
Fruit Salad
Regarding an energizer for a large group. I would usually try to ensure that any ice breakers/energizers relate to the topic being covered although with this in mind there is always fruit salad.
I believe the aim of fruit salad is to getting everyone running around and ‘woken up’ afetr lunch. Create a circle of chairs with all chairs facing inwards. You need 1 less chair for the numbers you have. Ask everyone to sit on a chair facing the centre. At this ponit someone will realise that there is not enough chairs. Explain that 1 person is in control of the game and ask this person to stand in the middle of the circle. Now go around and tell each person that they are a type of fruit. Dependant on numbers I usually use 2 types but with large numbers you could use three. So, go around and in turn advise what fruit they are e.g. apple, banana, apple, banana etc until everyone knows what fruit they are. Include the person in the middle.
Now whoever is in the middle has control of the game. If they shout apples, all the apples have to stand up and switch chairs with another apple. Whilst this is going on the person in the middle has to try to get a seat. You will again end up with one person in the middle again. Continue this using the other fruits e.g. if they shout bananas all bananas stand up and again the person in the middle has to try to get a seat. If the person in the middle shouts fruit salad then everyone has to get up and switch seats. The aim of the game is to not end up in the midlle without a seat.
This is an excellent way of getting the blood pumping and also breaking the ice. A couple of warnings…….People tend to get quite competetive and a little loud. People can get a little rough therefore would suggest that you ask at the beginning if anyone has any reason why they couldn’t jump araound e.g. pregnancy, foot complaints etc. I have done this and at the end of the game someone advised me they currently had some stitches in their foot which had just been stood on by another delegate. You live and learn!
If you want to talk it through give me a ring 0161 4472034.
J
Good for communication and teamwork
I have used the “sitting down in a circle” as a quick post lunch energiser – ask the group to stand in a circle and sit on the lap of the person behind them – this requires both co-operation and timing! The same applies for getting up, without the circle collapsing.
It is very pyhsical, so it is worth checking for any health conditions, but I used it with a group of a similar age to that you describe.
Nicky
Reaction test energiser
Here is a very quick one that can be used from 2 to 2000 or more people
Reaction test
1) Ask everyone to stand up and put their arms straight out in front of them so that they are horizontal.
2) Ask them to open up the gap so that their arms now create a 90 degree angle from each other.
3) Tell them that you are going to test their reactions.
As a trainer you show them the following movement – You put one arm straight down by your side and the other up above your head. The movement is simply to swop positions so that the positions are reversed.
4) The participants must create a CLAP their hands when your hands (the trainers) pass each other (normally they should pass in the horizontal position. The participants should then return their hands to the starting position.
5) Give them a practise round – in theory they should all clap at the same time.
6) Do the same thing again, but stop just short of crossing your arm position. In theory everyone should not clap but most will.
7) Have several more goes mixing real attempts with almost attempts.
8) Finish by just passing your arms through the horizontal very quickly 6 to 8 times – this should give you a round of applause to start your session with.
I hope this helps, Andi Roberts