Using Gorilla Tag as Exercise for Autoimmune Sufferers
Living with an autoimmune disease can be incredibly challenging, affecting both your physical and mental health. Exercise is crucial for maintaining strength and overall well-being, but traditional workouts might not always be feasible due to pain and fatigue.
Living with an autoimmune disease can be incredibly challenging, affecting both your physical and mental health. Exercise is crucial for maintaining strength and overall well-being, but traditional workouts might not always be feasible due to pain and fatigue.
Enter Gorilla Tag, a virtual reality (VR) game that offers a unique and enjoyable way to exercise. Whether you're dealing with conditions like Crohn's disease or IBD, Gorilla Tag can help you stay active, connect with others, and take your mind off the pain.
What is Gorilla Tag?
Gorilla Tag is a popular VR game, where players embody gorilla avatars and use their upper body strength to swing, climb, and manoeuvre through a jungle environment.
The Health Benefits of Gorilla Tag
Gorilla Tag is more than just a game; it’s a comprehensive upper-body workout. Here are some key benefits:
- Upper Body Strength: The game requires you to use your arms to swing and climb, engaging muscles in the shoulders, back, and arms. This type of movement helps build strength and tone these muscle groups.
- Cardiovascular Exercise: The constant movement increases your heart rate and breathing, providing cardiovascular benefits.
- Core Stability: Maintaining balance and stability while swinging engages your core muscles, including abs and obliques.
- Low-Impact Workout: For those with joint pain or mobility issues, Gorilla Tag offers a low-impact alternative to traditional exercises, as it minimises stress on the lower body.
Starting Slow for Crohn's and IBD Sufferers
For individuals with Crohn's disease or IBD, abdominal pain and fatigue can make exercise challenging. It's important to start slowly and listen to your body. Begin with shorter play sessions and gradually increase the duration as your strength and endurance improve.
Week 1: Introduction Phase
- Session Length: 5-10 minutes
- Focus: Learn the basics of swinging and climbing in a comfortable, non-competitive mode.
- Goal: Familiarize yourself with the movements and controls without pushing your limits.
Week 2: Building Stamina
- Session Length: 10-15 minutes
- Focus: Participate in more interactive modes like Tag or Infection.
- Goal: Increase your activity level while paying attention to how your body responds.
Week 3: Increasing Intensity
- Session Length: 15-20 minutes
- Focus: Try more challenging modes such as Hunt or Paintbrawl.
- Goal: Enhance your endurance and strength, enjoying longer sessions without significant discomfort.
Connecting with Others
One of the most significant benefits of Gorilla Tag is the social aspect. Autoimmune diseases can often lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Gorilla Tag’s multiplayer modes allow you to connect with friends or meet new people in the virtual jungle. Engaging with others can provide a sense of community and support, helping alleviate the emotional burden of chronic illness.
Tips for a Better Experience
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after playing to stay hydrated.
- Take Breaks: Listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion.
- Adjust the Difficulty: Build up the minutes slowly to match your fitness and comfort level.
- Use Comfortable Gear: Ensure your VR headset and controllers are comfortable and well-adjusted to avoid any strain or discomfort.
Paincation: Combining Fun with Pain Relief
The core principle of Paincation is to use engaging activities to take your mind off the pain and stress associated with autoimmune diseases. Gorilla Tag perfectly embodies this concept by offering a fun and immersive way to exercise, distracting you from discomfort and providing a mental escape.
Gorilla Tag offers a unique and enjoyable way for autoimmune sufferers to stay active and connect with others. By starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity, you can reap the physical benefits without overexerting yourself. Remember, the goal is to have fun, take your mind off the pain, and enjoy the journey towards better health.
If you found this blog helpful, share it with others who might benefit from incorporating Gorilla Tag into their exercise routine.
Happy swinging!
