Since my game is not really applicable to all places, I decided to create it as a warmup at the gym. In addition to this, this game can be played in relation to specific themes and/or during special events (like Easter and Halloween). There isn’t a specific maximum number of players, but requires at least 2. So as a warmup, the game should be quite simple and easy to understand, and at the same time not so strenuous. The players should decide on a warmup distance to run (300m, 500m, 1km). The timer starts and then the players must start the task at the same time. There are 3 possible outcomes, win, lose, or a sort of in-between outcome. For a player to win, they must be the first one to complete the task, and therefore must wait for the other players to finish. Those who finish after the winner must perform 10 non-weighted squats, which is relatilively a very light punishment, and this would be the in-between winning and losing punishment. The loser, i.e the last player to finish the task must perform 15 burpees! (Because nobody likes burpees).

This counts as a game because there is a sense of friendly competition between the players, as well as a way to entertain the players since they would be able to play with one another as opposed to “work out” in the sense. The players would also be able to have a laugh at whoever has to end up doing the burpees., which contributes to the winning/losing idea.

This idea of the game is not to shame anyone or to make them feel bad. In fact, it might as well encourage players to be adapted to a more healthy lifestyle by incorporating physical activity in it.

As for the play area, it would be most suitable to be played in a gym as a starter or warmup game. However, this is not to say that the game cannot be taken outside to other places. Really what the game needs is several participants and space for them to be active. The only place that I would say that this game cannot be played is in areas that are not socially acceptable for the game to take place (formal events/in the kitchen). I believe that this transforms from “workout” to “game” because it requires the participants to socially interact with one another and communicate, as well as battle each other to avoid having to do more work, whereas in a regular workout you would have no “win”or “lose” situations. It may be hard for other observers to be aware that the game is taking place, but at the same time it would look like a group or community effort to the observer. The game is really initiated between the players and really takes place within the social circle.

The game also contributes to the construction and destruction aspect in the sense that construction = more time for the muscles to rest, and destruction = less time for the muscles to rest/use up more energy, so that players will be deterred from losing. There is the “draw” function that if two (or more) players finish first, they would not have to do anything, and if two (or more) players finish last, the burpee count would be reduced to 7. The idea of construction and destruction could also be pointed out using the analogy of building up muscles, and tearing them down, so that they will be able to get stronger. The strategy of this game would be to manage your energy levels and not burn out after a short period of time, thus making them slower. Each player would be able to show their individuality by their strategy of completing the task (i.e. going 100% through the whole task, or balancing their effort levels so that they won’t be tired out). Each person has a unique working style, so that would show on most participants. There is also the issue of cheating, i.e. only running 400m when asked to run 500m. This can be reduced while using the equipment, because the equipment literally counts the distance covered or calories burned. Without equipment, this can be addressed, for example, by asking the participants to move from point A to point B in an active way (e.g. running). To deter people from cheating, consequences will be issued to people who cheat, for example, count them as a loser or disqualify them.

Since my game is quite hard to apply at any time, I haven’t recorded any tries or tests because I haven’t had the chance to go the gym or find players to partake in the game yet.