No worries even in the rain! Fun recreational activities you can do in the gym
Introducing fun recreation activities you can enjoy in the gym! When you hear variety games or cooperative games, you might imagine playing outside, but there are plenty of activities and recreations you can enjoy in a gym.
Even when rain or snow keeps you indoors, you can still build your fitness in the gym.
Basketball, futsal, dodgeball—there are tons of games and activities everyone can enjoy together! Try making time to be active in the gym with friends or family while having fun.
Exercise energizes both your mind and body!
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Classic & Team Competition Indoor Games and Relays (1–10)
Color Matching Relay
If you’re looking for a game where everyone on the team can work together, we recommend Color-Sorting Relay.
First, set up four colors of cones in four rows at random.
If you’re playing with two teams, prepare a set in front of each team.
At the start signal, a player takes two cones and swaps the positions of cones in just one spot.
Keep repeating this, and the first team to get all four rows neatly arranged with the four colors wins.
Since players must instantly adjust to the cones moved by other teammates once the run begins, it’s great for building quick decision-making and teamwork.
You can also increase the number or variety of cone colors to match the players’ ages.
Sideways tug-of-war
Unlike regular tug-of-war, “sideways tug-of-war” is played by pulling the rope sideways.
Since you just pull the rope to the side, it’s an easy-to-understand game.
It also doesn’t require the large, specialized rope used in standard tug-of-war, making it perfect for recreational activities.
You can set the rules and how to determine the winner to suit the players.
It can be enjoyed even when there’s a size difference, such as adults versus children.
Hula hoop down
Form an inward-facing circle with your team, extend your index fingers, and place a hula hoop on top of them.
Everyone lowers their fingers in sync, and if you can set the hula hoop down on the ground, you succeed.
It looks easy, but coordinating everyone’s timing is surprisingly difficult—this game requires a good sense of balance.
Jama-Jama Ball Toss
With its somewhat cute name, “Jama-Jama Tamaire” (literally, “Obstructive Ball Toss”).
You split into two teams, and while it’s fun to play regular tamaire, this version features a ‘Jama-Jama’ who shows up to interfere with the ball toss.
They hold large boards in both hands to defend and keep balls from going into the basket, even jumping to bat them back.
When the balls just won’t go in, people get stubborn—and the excitement ramps up!
Centipede ball-passing game
A simple yet thrilling “Centipede Ball Pass” game! Teams line up in single file and pass the ball along—such simple rules, yet it’s guaranteed to get everyone excited.
While being careful not to drop the ball, players alternately pass it overhead and between their legs to the person behind them.
Because it requires teamwork, it’s perfect for schools and community events.
Each team might even come up with strategies for how to pass the ball more smoothly.
Slipper relay
When you think of a relay, the common rule is to pass a baton to the next runner, but this time we’ll be playing with slippers as the baton.
It’s called the “Slipper Relay”! This game is played without using your hands—only your feet.
First, divide into teams, then have all members of each team line up side by side and link arms.
The person at one end wears a single slipper on the foot facing outward.
At the start signal, pass the slipper from foot to foot without letting it drop to the floor.
The team that gets the slipper to the person at the other end first wins.
This game relies on nimble footwork and teamwork.
It’s trickier than it looks, so give it a try!
Ball-passing race
The Ball-Passing Race is a game you can play with any number of people as long as you have one ball.
First, line up in two vertical rows.
Then everyone sits down with their legs spread apart.
Raise both hands at this time.
When the person at the front is holding the ball, at the signal “Ready, go!” they pass the ball to the person behind them.
When passing, make sure the ball goes over your head.
Keep passing the ball along like this.
When it reaches the last person, everyone stands up and this time sends the ball back to the front by passing it forward between their legs.
You can also enjoy the game by freely changing how you pass the ball!
