The Move Like an Animal Exercise

Move like an animal is a guided group stretching exercise for relax, inspires imagination and motivate movement.

Gather your group to sit in a circle with enough space between everyone to move freely. Announce that you will soon lead your group through a brief movement exercise.

Facilitate the exercise step by step as guided by the script.

• Once you are seated comfortably, take these next few moments to relax.
• Turn your gaze downward towards the floor or close your eyes.
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Take a minute to think of your favourite animal, or maybe an animal that you find
  funny or interesting.
• Is it a wild animal, a sea animal? Or a childhood pet?
• Now, let’s think of their behaviour. How do they walk, how do they stretch? What
  sounds do they make when they breathe? Do they have four legs?
• If you aren’t sure how they act, this is a great time to use your imagination.
• It’s time to start breathing like your animal.
• Without judgment, begin to breathe like your chosen animal. Remember to breathe
  slowly, like your animal at rest.
• Now begin to stretch like this animal. You may wish to stand, sit, or lie down.
• If it helps you feel more comfortable, you may close your eyes. Just be careful of
  your surroundings if you are moving.
• Does your animal reach up high or stand on one leg? Again, you may use your
  imagination.
• We only need to take inspiration from this animal – we don’t need to be accurate.
• Remember, there are no wrong movements. Get into your character and move
  however you feel is right.
• Stretch out your arms, legs, and torso. Slowly move your head from one side to
  another. Focus on all of your limbs, releasing any tension you may be holding onto.
• Take some time to combine your animal’s breathing and movements.
• When you’re ready, you can open your eyes to meet us back here

Conclude by gently inviting your group back to their own identity.

The topics of this publication: health, relaxation, wellbeing, self