Core strength for kids
Core strength is the foundation kids need for learning and for engaging in play, sport and other physical activities.
It may seem strange to think of core strength being important for learning but as we look at what core strength is and why it matters it’ll become clear that core strength is the cornerstone for all movement.
What is core strength?
When we think of core strength we tend to think of the abs. Core strength doesn’t mean that kids need a 6-pack! The core refers to the centre of the body, so in addition to the abdominal muscles the core also includes the shoulders, scapula, back and sides of the trunk, gluts and the hip. We can that of the core including all muscles groups from the neck to the top of the legs.
Why does core strength matter?
Children need core strength for movement, think lifting legs up for marching, stepping up, or kicking as well as for movements like sit ups. These movements may seem more obvious but kids also need core stability to maintain posture for sitting, for balance and to maintain stability for the shoulder, arms, hands and legs and head to move independently - key movements needed for fine motor skills such as drawing, writing, cutting and painting.
A key function of the core is to coordinate these central muscles for a range of complex movements needed for gross and fine motor skill development. Core strength really is the foundation for learning and play.
Signs that core strength is lacking
Lets look at some of the tell-tale signs of a weak core (of course other factors could be at play here too).
Children that:
predominately sit in W sitting,
lean on things for support,
slouch,
fidget and have trouble paying attention,
have trouble transitioning from positions,
fall out of their chair or are clumsy,
have difficulty with fine motor skills,
have difficulty with gross motor skills,
use their hands to prop up their head.
Activities that build core strength
Give children plenty of floor time from when they are babies right up to primary school, being able to sit, crawl, roll and play on the floor requires core strength. Try to include activities in your day that include:
Pushing
Pulling
Lifting
Carrying
Balancing
Coordinating movement
Climbing
Download the FREE pdf for more ideas, yoga poses and fun activities you can include in your day to support the development of core strength in kids.
Core Strength: Foundations for Learning and Play
Is a short online course that offers a range of fun activities, games, yoga poses and everyday activities for building core strength in early learning settings, primary schools and at home.