Their activities included:
* Agriculture: Farming, planting, and harvesting crops required considerable strength, endurance, and coordination. Clearing land, using tools, and carrying heavy loads were all part of their daily routine.
* Fishing and Hunting: These pursuits demanded both skill and stamina. They would swim, dive, paddle canoes, and trek through diverse terrains. Throwing spears and using other hunting implements also honed their hand-eye coordination and upper body strength.
* Ball Games (batey): The Taíno played a version of bat-and-ball games, known as *batey*, which involved running, jumping, and throwing. This was not merely recreation; it had ceremonial and social significance, suggesting a blend of physical activity and cultural practice. The games likely developed strength, agility, and teamwork skills.
* Canoeing and Navigation: Paddling canoes across open water required significant physical strength, endurance, and coordination, especially in rough conditions. Navigating by the stars and currents also involved keen observation and mental agility.
* Dancing and Ceremonies: Many Taíno dances involved intricate movements and rhythms, promoting flexibility, balance, and coordination. These were often associated with religious or social events.
In essence, Taíno physical activity wasn't a separate subject but rather a fundamental part of their survival, social interaction, and spiritual life. The demands of their lifestyle provided a robust form of functional fitness, building strength, agility, and endurance. While not explicitly "physical education," the diverse range of activities they engaged in provided many of the same physical and social benefits.