For our research lab, the question we studied was ‘how can we explore momentum alongside the idea of coming off the floor without using the support of our hands and how does this change when working with new or old partners?’. To try and achieve this, we explored different ways to get off the ground with our hands clasped then unclasped to see which we personally found easier. I preferred doing the task with my hands clasped as it took the concentration away from the hands. When I had them unclasped, the focus was on my hands and I found it much more challenging to not use my hands at all.
When performing these exerices myself with my hands unclasped, I found using my arms to give me some momentum a lot easier than not using them at all. Although members of my group who were observing told me i looked awkward and uncomfortable. I also noticed this whilst watching the other members of my group perform the task. The movements looked tense and uncomfortable.
It was interesting not being able to use our hands as it showed how much you rely on them when you are moving in the space, especially when you are on the floor. It was interesting to see how people got up from the floor without using their hands.