This year, Hoho Gymnasium at Seoul National University was unable to offer its regular sports classes due to internal circumstances. Instead, we organized a special workshop titled “How to Use Your Body for Cleaning Workers.”
Lifting, carrying, sweeping, wiping, washing, and pushing—we use our bodies every day while working. This workshop focused on learning ways to take care of our bodies before fatigue or injuries occur and to better understand how to move in a healthier way.
Based on the principles of the Alexander Technique, instructor Choi Hee-beom from Onmom explored practical ways with participants to protect their bodies in everyday life, including how to lift heavy objects without straining the lower back and exercises that can help when experiencing wrist pain. Due to the enthusiastic response from participants, the workshop was later reorganized into a regular program, and weekly sessions are now being held with workers and students at Seoul National University.
Below is a reflection from Yulri Lee (Joint Action for Making Seoul National University Free from Irregular Employment / Biseogong).
Since 2024, Seoul National University has been running the Hoho Gymnasium Project for more than two years. Although the activities have varied—from badminton and table tennis to the current Alexander Technique program—and the participants have changed over time, the project has consistently provided opportunities for people to move their bodies together and build connections. At the end of each semester, participants also shared meals together, creating a space to continue conversations that were difficult to have during busy daily routines. The preparation process has not always been easy, but the continued appreciation and positive feedback from participating workers have allowed us to sustain this project.
Many workers experience physical strain from performing repetitive tasks in similar postures every day, often without realizing the burden placed on their bodies. Students, who also spend long periods sitting in the same position, face similar challenges. Even a weekly opportunity to recharge both physically and mentally through movement and sport is therefore extremely valuable. In particular, the Alexander Technique offered this semester focuses on learning how to use one's own body more effectively. Participants have responded positively because they can practice the movements they learned during class throughout the week and find ways to reduce physical strain in their daily lives.
This semester, around 30 workers and students are participating in the Hoho Gymnasium Project. Although the time we spend together each week may seem limited, we feel that the project is helping us build more meaningful and human connections. We hope to continue nurturing relationships with those who have been part of the program since last year as well as those we have newly met, and we look forward to making the university a more comfortable, caring, and welcoming workplace and learning environment.
This year, Hoho Gymnasium at Seoul National University was unable to offer its regular sports classes due to internal circumstances. Instead, we organized a special workshop titled “How to Use Your Body for Cleaning Workers.”
Lifting, carrying, sweeping, wiping, washing, and pushing—we use our bodies every day while working. This workshop focused on learning ways to take care of our bodies before fatigue or injuries occur and to better understand how to move in a healthier way.
Based on the principles of the Alexander Technique, instructor Choi Hee-beom from Onmom explored practical ways with participants to protect their bodies in everyday life, including how to lift heavy objects without straining the lower back and exercises that can help when experiencing wrist pain. Due to the enthusiastic response from participants, the workshop was later reorganized into a regular program, and weekly sessions are now being held with workers and students at Seoul National University.
Below is a reflection from Yulri Lee (Joint Action for Making Seoul National University Free from Irregular Employment / Biseogong).
Since 2024, Seoul National University has been running the Hoho Gymnasium Project for more than two years. Although the activities have varied—from badminton and table tennis to the current Alexander Technique program—and the participants have changed over time, the project has consistently provided opportunities for people to move their bodies together and build connections. At the end of each semester, participants also shared meals together, creating a space to continue conversations that were difficult to have during busy daily routines. The preparation process has not always been easy, but the continued appreciation and positive feedback from participating workers have allowed us to sustain this project.
Many workers experience physical strain from performing repetitive tasks in similar postures every day, often without realizing the burden placed on their bodies. Students, who also spend long periods sitting in the same position, face similar challenges. Even a weekly opportunity to recharge both physically and mentally through movement and sport is therefore extremely valuable. In particular, the Alexander Technique offered this semester focuses on learning how to use one's own body more effectively. Participants have responded positively because they can practice the movements they learned during class throughout the week and find ways to reduce physical strain in their daily lives.
This semester, around 30 workers and students are participating in the Hoho Gymnasium Project. Although the time we spend together each week may seem limited, we feel that the project is helping us build more meaningful and human connections. We hope to continue nurturing relationships with those who have been part of the program since last year as well as those we have newly met, and we look forward to making the university a more comfortable, caring, and welcoming workplace and learning environment.