FITNESS & WELLNESS THROUGH INDEGENOUS GAMES

By

Dr. Sundar Raj Urs¹ and S Muniraju²

Reader, University College of Physical Education, Bangalore University

Email: sundarrajurs@yahoo.co.in

Dr S Muniraju²

Research Scholar, University College of Physical Education, Bangalore University

Email: muniraj7575@gmail.com

Abstract:

Many people see the traditional/Indigenous games as a strong indicator that their culture can survive. In this way traditional/Indigenous games are not only helping youth to get physically fit but also inspiring older members of the Indigenous community.

The systematic displacement from a very physically active lifestyle in our natural outdoor environment to a sedentary, indoor lifestyle is at the root of many of the ubiquitous chronic diseases that are endemic in our culture. The intuitive solution is to simulate the indigenous human activity pattern to the extent that this is possible and practically achievable. A suggestion for exercise mode, duration, intensity, and frequency has to be outlined with a focus on realigning our daily physical activities with the archetype that is encoded within our genome.

Physical activity is decreasing in our society, especially in children as they mature. Clear evidence suggests that physical activity has numerous favorable beneficial physiologic effects that result in demonstrable reductions in cardiovascular and other disease endpoints. Daily exercise substantially alters the expression of a substantial proportion of the genes that comprise the human genome. These profound and far-reaching changes in genetic expression may explain why cardiovascular fitness and daily energy expenditure on physical activity are among the strongest correlates of long-term health and survival.

Keywords: Traditional games, Indigenous games, Fitness, Wellness

FITNESS & WELLNESS THROUGH INDEGENOUS GAMES

By

Dr. Sundar Raj Urs¹ and S Muniraju²

Reader, University College of Physical Education, Bangalore University

Email: sundarrajurs@yahoo.co.in

Dr S Muniraju²

Research Scholar, University College of Physical Education, Bangalore University

Email: muniraj7575@gmail.com

Indigenous, means innate Inherent, Natural, Originated in and Characteristics of particular region or country.

Traditional/Indigenous games are inclusive games and not competitive. For example, if a player gets 'out' in some games they can immediately rejoin the game once leaving the field.

Benefits of Indigenous/Traditional Games

Benefits of bringing traditional Indigenous games back to life include

● Bringing-together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people

● Help reconnect urban Indigenous youth to their culture

● Boost education retention in economically poor section

● Promote reconciliation(Reunion)

● Provide essential training in social interaction

● Enhance physical health

Many people see the traditional/Indigenous games as a strong indicator that their culture can survive. In this way traditional/Indigenous games are not only helping youth to get physically fit but also inspiring older members of the Indigenous community.

The systematic displacement from a very physically active lifestyle in our natural outdoor environment to a sedentary, indoor lifestyle is at the root of many of the ubiquitous chronic diseases that are endemic in our culture. The intuitive solution is to simulate the indigenous human activity pattern to the extent that this is possible and practically achievable. A suggestion for exercise mode, duration, intensity, and frequency has to be outlined with a focus on realigning our daily physical activities with the archetype that is encoded within our genome.

Physical activity is decreasing in our society, especially in children as they mature. Clear evidence suggests that physical activity has numerous favorable beneficial physiologic effects that result in demonstrable reductions in cardiovascular and other disease endpoints. Daily exercise substantially alters the expression of a substantial proportion of the genes that comprise the human genome. These profound and far-reaching changes in genetic expression may explain why cardiovascular fitness and daily energy expenditure on physical activity are among the strongest correlates of long-term health and survival.

Indigenous Activities

● Economical

● Mass Oriented

● Social Obligations

● Natural & Non Competitive

● Fun, Recreation & Fitness Oriented

Nonetheless, our innate exercise capabilities and requirements that evolved via natural selection over thousands of millennia remain essentially the same as for our Stone Age ancestors. Marked deviation from those indigenous exercise patterns predictably results in physical disability and disease. Today, as the last lifestyle are being eclipsed by modern civilization, science is coming to realize the importance of this way of life for current-day human health, and its relevance to optimal fitness in the 21st century.

Indigenous Games & Sports

1. Economical

a. Infrastructure b. Players Belongings

2. Nativity

a. Tradition Oriented b. Cultural

3. Fitness Oriented (Natural & Outdoor Activities)

Compared with the glacial pace of genetic evolution, human technological and social evolution has occurred at light speed. This discordance has left us genetically adapted for the rigors of life as a hunter-gatherer despite the fact that we are citizens of the high-tech, sedentary, overfed, emotionally stressed 21st-century world.