Forced exercise

Nature

Prisoners are tortured by being forced to do physical exercises or labour until they drop from exhaustion. Some are forced to do military drill. Some are forced to run or crawl with heavy loads on their backs and beaten if they stop or fall. Disabled people are required to do the work of an able-bodied person.

Background

The issue of forced exercise emerged in global awareness during the late 20th century, as reports surfaced of its use in prisons, military training, and rehabilitation centers as a means of punishment or control. International human rights organizations began documenting cases, particularly in authoritarian regimes, where forced physical activity was linked to abuse and psychological harm. Subsequent research and advocacy have highlighted its prevalence and the need for ethical standards in institutional settings worldwide.

Incidence

Punitive enforced exercise has been reported in the following countries: Africa - Benin, Ghana, Mali, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Europe - USSR.

Claim

Forced exercise is a deeply troubling issue that violates personal autonomy and can cause lasting psychological and physical harm. Compelling individuals to exercise against their will is not only unethical but can also lead to trauma, resentment, and a negative relationship with physical activity. This practice must be recognized as a serious problem that demands urgent attention and action to protect individual rights and promote healthy, voluntary engagement in exercise.

Counter-claim

Forced exercise is not an important problem at all. In fact, it’s a non-issue compared to real challenges like poverty, healthcare, or education. Most people have the freedom to choose their physical activity, and isolated cases of forced exercise are rare and exaggerated. Focusing on this distracts from genuine societal concerns. Let’s prioritize issues that truly impact lives, rather than inflating minor or uncommon problems like forced exercise.