R & R With Rachel (Rants and Raves with Rachel): You're Never Too Old For Recess!

By now there shouldn't be a person left in America who doesn't know the importance of daily exercise. Continuing with this theme, I presented a 10 minute "recess" during a recent workshop for librarians. The exercises used originated from a program called Instant Recess, developed by the now deceased, Dr. Toni Yancey, who was a professor of health services at the University of California. Dr. Yancey was a strict believer in the value of motivating people to move, and the importance of adding even a 10 minute exercise break into the workplace, senior center, schools, and the like. She strongly believed that if breaks were taken with others during the day “once people felt more fit and better about themselves, they were more likely to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity during their leisure time.” Using easy, fun movements and a child-like imagination, anyone could incorporate Dr. Yancey’s ideas into a 10 minute group break. Here are examples of the exercises we completed:

While playing the song "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts participants pretended they were driving a car. We made left and right turns by moving our bodies, did squats to go under low bridges, jumped up to go over speed bumps, etc. Wrist flexors and shoulder shrugs were done during our pretend red traffic light.

Participants also imagined they were a spy on a secret mission (the music from Mission Impossible was a great accompaniment). We climbed an invisible rope, jumped from a helicopter, twisted our body while looking through binoculars. We even got squats in again --walking low and cat like.

Below are a couple of photos from the event:

The colorful circles on the floor of the photographs are cut up pool noodles. Another activity from Instant Recess (remember it originated in California) was to have a snowball fight, California style. This is a great way to prepare your throwing arm for softball season!

By making exercise an option in the workplace, no one can say they don't have time to fit it into their day. The camaraderie and social interaction with co-workers and friends can also result in stress relief and increased energy. Hopefully, places of employment and other social organizations will be inspired to incorporate these ideas and others similar to them into their typical day. It might just lead to a happier, more productive society.

Meanwhile, play on my friends, play on!