One of the best methods to improve workplace cohesion is through a successful team building event and I find adding a bit of physical activity to the day makes it a more successful and memorable exercise. It’s not only good for overall health, but it can also be a fun activity for everyone involved.

Here are my top 10 team building ideas that include physical activity:

1. Volunteering

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©iStockphoto.com/ipopba

Volunteering is a good method for balancing a charity cause with physical activity. The good news is that you can easily find a noble cause around your area or you can even create one for your team. Some volunteers may prefer manual activities such as helping build social housing. But you can even get involved in smaller projects such as cooking for the homeless.

2. Trampoline parks

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©iStockphoto.com/Alex Koch 2012

Trampoline parks are not just for kids. If you’re looking to have fun with your coworkers, there is nothing as engaging as trampolines. It works for both men and women and can be a fun activity for up to an hour.

3. Kart racing

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Kart racing is one of those activities which can go on for the whole day. You can set challenges and try to race against your coworkers, even if you haven’t tried it before. Of course, kart racing is much more fun for drivers or experienced racers, but even people with no racing background can have a pleasant experience. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor karting options so you can hold the event regardless of the weather.

4. Laser tag

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©iStockphoto.com/mustafagul

Laser tag has been around for many years. It is fun and can be played in teams. Running, jumping and ducking will be involved. If you plan to play for more than a couple of hours you can also expect to burn some calories which will also be beneficial to your health.

5. Outdoor fitness circuit

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©iStockphoto.com/Wavebreakmedia

Outdoor fitness circuits are getting increasingly popular. Since many fitness enthusiasts want to step away from the gym, you can take this opportunity to organize a team building event outdoors. The fitness circuits can be as advanced as you want them to be, as usually they are designed by personal trainers. If you want to have a successful event and improve your fitness level, outdoor circuits might be a great solution.

6. Triathlon

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©iStockphoto.com/Dmytro Aksonov

Although triathlon sounds like something that only professionals could be part of, there are many options for beginners too. There are races created for newbies, but there are also triathlons with more courses. This way, a whole team can be a part of one race – even if they are not all in the same physical shape.

7. Egg drop competition

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Egg drop competitions are fun methods of having physical activity. There are many types of egg drop competitions to choose from and the best news is that they can be as easy or difficult as you want. If you think you need extra amusement, you can always set up an obstacle course which will make it harder for the contestants to reach the finish line.

8. Amazing race challenge

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©iStockphoto.com/Lorado

The amazing race challenge is a good alternative if you want to play in teams. Since you will have to perform various physical and mental challenges, it is a good activity which will require focus and coordination. And the best part is that at the end of the game there is always a winning team, which can make the activity more challenging.

9. Plank walk

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©iStockphoto.com

Plank walks are the perfect activity if you want to improve coordination and team spirit. Since the activity involves smaller groups it is also a good way of pairing up certain departments from the company, challenging the management or other branches. The activity can also be done without competition, but with less fun reactions.

10. Cave exploration

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For the adventurous day outside the office, cave exploration can be one of the memorable life experiences. You can book a professional to guide your team into a cave and get immersed in the cold and dark environment underground. Since you will be carrying some basic equipment, the exploration will also be a good physical challenge.

As you can see, team building ideas which involve physical activities can be events that can last from an hour to the whole day. There are plenty of options to choose from which can be achieved even by sedentary office workers. In the end, the best part about these activities is they are both fun and physically challenging, but they can bring coworkers together in a different environment and potentially improve the communication at the office.

If you’ve got other activities you do with your team I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

3 COMMENTS

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by Susan Wheeler 25.11.2017
Bouldering and a self-defense class would be another idea for team building activities.
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Nina Weihrauch
Nina Weihrauch | Editor Susan Wheeler 20.12.2017
I love that, Susan! Thanks for adding them to the list.

When do you plan your next team building activity at work?

Best,

Nina
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by Martin Henry 19.03.2018
Thanks.....Sounds simple and exciting.
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