NAME: TRIXIA GWEN T.

EGOS BSIT-1A

LESSON 1: ASSESS
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Write a descriptive essay of LABAN’s BESS movement theory in promoting physically

activitive lifestyle in times of COVID.

According to Vanda Scaravelli, “Movement is the song of the body”. Our bodies are designed
to run, jump, and manipulate objects among other miracles of locomotion. Rudolf van Laban is
considered as one of the true pioneers of Movement Education. He was grossly interested in the
human body and human movement. The Laban BESS Movement Theory is based on the work of
Rudolf van Laban. This theory is divided in to four parts which are the body, effort, space and shape.
He believed that his theory was an instrument of expression and movement that serves a purpose in
everyday life especially in this time where pandemic occurred.

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by contraction of

skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure . It includes exercise as well as other activities
which involve bodily movement and are done as part of playing, working, active transportation,
house chores and recreational activities. The benefits of physical activities have been demonstrated
across the lifespan. We are meant to move and many of our body’s systems work better when we are
consistently physically active. I recommend finding physical activities that you enjoy and to share
your experience with others. At the same time, there is also evidence to suggest that physical
activities can be helpful to your mood even if the act of doing the activity is not as enjoyable.

Currently, we are all managing additional stress related to the increasing growth of the
COVID-19 pandemic and the potential to threaten the health of individuals. Consider using physical
activity as a strategy to stay healthy during this stressful period. It is important for individuals to take
a supportive role in the promotion of physical activities. Allowing individuals to maintain their
autonomy and choice in their activities will be important for ongoing engagement. Allowing the
theory of Rudolf von Laban theory helps us to develop our skills through moving our body with
effort, space and shape. Also, to explore our skills that will help you to develop lifelong habit of
physical fitness and wellness through movement enhancement.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our normal routines, we should not allow it to
disrupt our physical fitness as individual. At a time when stress and anxiety are at all-time highs
maintaining a regime of physical activities can provide some benefits to help mitigate those stressors.
Although many things feel beyond our control right now, we do have the ability to be creative and to
build physical activity every day. We can remember this difficult time as a turning point when we
learned new ways to build and develop our emotional resilience and physical health. Let’s be active,
get creative, stay motivated, make fitness a priority, stay healthy and stay safe every time out the
door!