Parachute – Radiating design
FREE
A circular group exercise parachute for seniors and mixed-age groups, available in two sizes with handles, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Participants lift and lower the fabric together in waves, enjoying gentle movement, teamwork, and social connection. Add bean bags to play Parachute Popcorn for extra fun and cognitive engagement.
This exercise parachute for seniors and group activity sessions is a straightforward, low-barrier way to get participants moving together. Suitable for aged care, intergenerational programs, and people living with dementia, it works well indoors or outdoors with groups of varying sizes and abilities.
How it can be used
Participants each hold a handle and work together to lift and lower the fabric in waves, toss bean bags or balloons onto the surface, or keep objects airborne as a group challenge. The repetitive, rhythmic movement supports coordination and timing, while the shared goal encourages teamwork and social connection. As an exercise accessory, it requires no prior experience and can be adapted to suit seated or standing participants.
Key features at a glance:
- Encourages gentle physical movement and upper-body coordination
- Supports social engagement and group cooperation
- Suitable for people living with dementia due to its simple, cue-based format
- Works for intergenerational sessions with children and older adults together
- Includes a drawstring storage bag for easy pack-down
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Wave motion: Participants hold handles and lift and lower the parachute together in slow, rhythmic waves. Call out cues such as “up” and “down” to guide timing and keep the group in sync.
- Parachute Popcorn: Place lightweight bean bags or soft foam balls on the surface. The group works together to bounce them into the air and keep them moving without letting them fall off.
- Balloon bop: Place a balloon on the parachute and challenge the group to keep it airborne by lifting and tilting the fabric cooperatively.
- Mushroom lift: Have participants raise the parachute high above their heads together on a count of three, then bring it down quickly to trap air underneath.
- Intergenerational play: Pair older adults with children or younger visitors, with each pair sharing a handle. The mixed-age format naturally encourages interaction and conversation.
- Available sizes: 1.8m (6 handles) and 3.6m (12 handles)
- Use: Indoor and outdoor
- Included: Parachute with handles and drawstring storage bag