Core strength is the foundation of many functional skills for children and adults. Previously in Signs of Poor Core Strength, we talked about signs that may indicate that your child has a weak core. If you think your child may have core weakness, you may be wondering how to improve their core strength.
Most often when people think about strengthening the core, they think of ab exercises such as sit ups and crunches. However, there are many other ways to strengthen the muscles of the core, that may be more fun and just as challenging for your child. Here are some great exercises and ways to improve your child’s core strength at home.
Break the Egg
Have your child lay flat on their back and curl their knees up to their chest as far as they can without using their hands. Have them lift their head and shoulders off of the floor and hold that position. While they are holding the position, try to move their knees away from their chest to “break the egg”!
Supermans
Have your child lay down on their stomach with their arms above their head. Have them lift their arms, legs, and head off the floor while keeping their knees
straight. Challenge your child to see how long they can hold this position!
Sit Ups
Have your child lay down on their back with their knees bent and feet flat.
Sit Ups
Without using their arms, have them sit up all the way while you hold their feet. To make it fun, have them give you high fives at the top of their sit up, pass a toy back and forth, or have them sit up with a puzzle piece and place it in the puzzle.
Wheelbarrow Walking
Have your child place their hands and feet on the floor, and have a grown-up lift their legs while they stay on their hands. Walk around this way while your child tries to keep their belly up in the air!
Knock Me Over
Have your child stand with their feet shoulder width apart. With a gentle but firm force, push your child, trying to knock them over while they try their best to stay in a solid, upright position. Try pushing them from all different directions to increase the challenge!
If you feel like your child may benefit from further core strengthening, our Physical Therapists are here to help! Reach out to your child’s pediatrician and have them send in a referral for a physical therapy evaluation.