Vacations in the countryside or in the city, summer camps, school breaks or afternoons after school – our leisure time was packed with fun games that all kids loved. Decades go by, but they live on in our hearts and memories. We all miss the sense of being carefree, don’t we? And while much has changed, one thing remains the same: we still love physical activity. Sure, the love may be a bit different, but it’s still something that triggers joy.
Interestingly, the way we spent our (active) childhood can determine our sporting choices. Let’s bring out our memory box!
Chinese jump rope – for people who aim high
Playing Chinese jump rope (a game for at least two players) required a lot of physical fitness and skill. Especially when the rope was moved higher and higher. Do you remember that the best players were able to complete the tasks even when the rope was placed at waist level (or even higher)?
Well, today we would probably think that high jumps on a hard surface are dangerous for our joints. After all, they’re somewhat less mobile now that we’re over the ripe age of 30 ?. But you can still jump around a bit. For example in a trampoline park. It’s a great activity for those who aim high, enjoy challenges, and value their independence. If you look back fondly at the memory of your personal bests in Chinese jump rope, you can also try a step class or exercises with a ball. It will definitely bring back great memories!
Paper chase – for those who enjoy being close to nature
A game that was best played during summer camps. Why? Because we had the most memorable experiences in the midst of nature. Also, only the smartest players were able to outwit their opponents, and a leader can only emerge in a group, right?
The game involves two teams, one running away and the other chasing it. During the chase, players look for instructions, traces, and tasks to perform that are hidden in various places. Paper chase is a game that doesn’t age. It can still improve your physical performance and reflexes! For adults, it’s a great idea for a bachelor or hen party, or a team-building activity at work.
It’s fun for those who love challenges and contact with nature, and have good orienteering skills. Dear cyclists, is this not about you? Hands up, those who love two wheels and reflect on childhood outdoor adventures with a smile on their face?
Hide and seek – for the clever and those a bit on the shy side
One of world’s oldest children’s games that continues to entertain generation after generation. The rules are crazy simple. Hiders conceal themselves in a set environment to be found by a seeker. The game is spiced up with a pinch of adrenaline, a spoonful of cleverness, and a dash of cunning, but in return you get a handful of laughs.
If you look back at the times when you played hide and seek with fond memories, you probably dream of a serene place to hide from the outside world. It would be great to have one, wouldn’t it? ;) You can always turn the gym into your hideaway.
Dodgeball – perfect for thrill-seekers
A team game with a competitive element. Players throw a ball to hit opponents, while avoiding being hit themselves. Dodgeball is played by two teams. The game requires quick reflexes, speed, and agility, and brings out a ton of emotions. Do you still remember the five D’s of dodgeball? “Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge”?
Adults can revisit the game as a great way to get rid of negative emotions and relieve stress. In that spirit, why not take up martial arts, such as boxing or tai chi? If you enjoy team sports, try your hand at handball!
Hopscotch – for those who enjoy balance
What were the rules? You had to draw a pattern of numbered squares on the ground. And then you hopped through the course on one leg, one square after another. In some of them, you had to stand on two legs, and then retrace their steps through the course. If you stepped on a line or lost balance and missed a square, your turn ended. Do you remember? One moment’s inattention and you were out of the game.
You can play hopscotch alone or in teams, while practicing your coordination and balance. Incidentally, these are the very skills that you work to improve during your yoga practice, right? Hopscotch was played mostly by girls who may now reminisce about their childhood pastimes during fitness classes. If you have good childhood memories of this game, sign up for a workout where you improve your balance and find the harmony of body and spirit.
Bottle cap races – for those focused on goals
When we were children, there were plenty of lemonade and soda caps in every home. Today, there are still many drinks in capped bottles available in stores, though the flavors are not the same anymore... Anyway, to play the game, you had to raw a racing circuit on the ground. The players took turns hitting bottle caps with their index finger through the circuit. The first one reaching the finish line was the winner.
A simple game that was a lot of fun and fueled the competitive spirit. This seemingly trivial activity was a favorite among those fond of winning in individual sports requiring precision and concentration. For them, we recommend a game of tennis or squash. These two sports are perfect for you if you’re good at handling pressure, and a controlled dose of stress motivates you to perform better.
Tag – for natural-born sprinters
If you’ve never played tag, you don’t know what it means to run fast! There’re at least a dozen versions of this chasing game, including freeze tag, cops and robbers, and blind man’s bluff. The game is all about speed, agility and good judgment – just like some aspects of our lives today ;) If you have good memories about playing tag, you’re likely a good runner who enjoys the activity because it relaxes you and takes your mind off things going on around you. And if not... try adding jogging into your weekly fitness routine and experience the same joy you felt as a child when racing or playing tag.
What else is permanently etched on your heart and memory? Capture the flag? Red Light, Green Light? Duck, duck, goose? There’re certainly more of them, so dust off the memories and rediscover your inner child.