Animal Crossing Stretching - Group Stretching Rewards In New Horizons

Calisthenics, not yoga

by Thomas Whitehead & Kate Gray Wed 1st Dec 2021

Animal Crossing New Horizons Group Stretching — *Image: Nintendo Life*

It's relatively common in Japanese work culture to have group daily exercise, though occasionally those sessions are arguably a tad intense. It's a good idea for all of us to stretch and keep fit, however, and now Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a rather charming way to participate in game.

In this group stretching guide, we'll answer all your questions about how it works in New Horizons. So, let's get to it.

Animal Crossing Group Stretching Guide

What is 'Group Stretching' in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

This is a new activity included in version 2.0 of the game that allows you to actively do some basic stretches and activities with an assortment of islanders.

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It's very easy to trigger this; simply interact ('A' button) with the stereo next to your residential services building (at the plaza) and you're good to go.

Do you use motion controls, buttons or both? Which is better?

Thankfully the answer is 'both', which should mean that most players, regardless of preference or ability, should be able to enjoy the rather charming group stretching sequence.

Button controls for Group Stretching

This is the easier option if you don't want to actively move and exercise, making it more of a light-touch rhythm game. Most of the exercises are done with the left stick, either with directional presses or rotations.

There's no objective, as such, it's all about trying to find the rhythm with everyone else — humorously, you'll see some members of the group struggling to keep up.

You do also have to use the 'A' and 'B' buttons at one point, so be ready!

Motion controls for Group Stretching

This is the obviously the more active option, and it the game recommends that you give yourself some space, use the Joy-Con wrist-strap and generally be sensible.

You only need the right Joy-Con, unless you're like us and attempting to take screenshots in the process!

The routine is exactly the same, so it's quite short and focused more on stretching and rotation, though you can also walk on-the-spot to the beat like the characters on screen. There is also a sequence near the end where you need to hop on the spot, and despite our attempts to 'cheat' and simply wave the Joy-Con it didn't register until we actually did a hop.

The motion controls work quite well, though they're not perfect. Nevertheless, as a light stretch it's an utterly charming way to loosen up.

Can I invite friends?

Yes — if you have friends on your island, you (and only you) can initiate the group stretching as normal. You will have to be Best Friends with all of the other players. They will then be teleported to the plaza for the activity, and then sent back to where they were before.

What are the limitations? Do I get anything for group stretching? Do I need to stretch 'well'?

There don't seem to be any limitations to how often you do the exercise each day in the game, and each time you have the choice of button or motion controls. Of course, if using motion controls you should heed the game's warnings and carefully manage your exercise to suit your capabilities.

This is also a mode with no form of scoring, it is purely for leisure and to enjoy watching your character exercise with other islanders. Don't feel any pressure while doing this activity.

You get 150 Nook Miles as a reward for stretching, which can appear in the daily rewards on the Nook Miles app!