Importance of Core Strengthening for Academics

First of all, what is core strength?  The body’s core refers to the muscles surrounding the abdomen, pelvis and back.  It is the foundation for children to be able to assume and maintain an upright posture while standing and sitting without support.   

Poor core strength can cause poor posture and decreased sitting tolerance which can affect gross motor and fine motor skill development.  Helping your child develop a strong core sets a good foundation for all other activities.   

The best way to develop core strength is through good old-fashioned outdoor play opportunities to climb, crawl, run, jump, hang upside down and explore in an unstructured setting.  Increased screen time and decreased unstructured outdoor play have led to a noticeable decline in core strength and balance faced by school-aged children in the US.   

What does it look like when a child has poor core strength? 

• Slumped posture-shoulders rolled forward 

• W-sitting (forming a “w” with legs splayed out) as opposed to cross-legged 

• Poor endurance 

• Poor balance 

How can you help your child? 

• Exercises to strengthen core muscles – make it fun!  Try yoga with your child as an example. 

• Provide opportunities for unstructured play – walking through the woods on uneven ground, hanging upside down from a tree branch and pulling self back up.   

• Building core strength takes time.  When beginning core strengthening exercise or activities, start with just a few at a time; find some that your child loves to engage in.   

A few fun exercises/activities to build core strength: 

• Playing games, coloring, reading, while lying on belly 

• Swimming 

• The Wheelbarrow walk  

• Bouncing – trampoline or exercise ball 

• Swivel ride-on toys (without pedals) 

• Swinging on a swing without assistance 

• Sit-ups 

• Superman Pose (lying on stomach and lifting arms and legs) 

• Twister – the game 

• Crawling through a tunnel 

• Climbing a ladder (like for a slide) 

• Riding a bike 

• Skating 

Our Physical and Occupational Therapists work on core strength exercises during their sessions with your child.  These are ways that you can carry over this treatment at home.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s therapy services or would like to see if your child qualifies for our Medical Model therapy services please TEXT a message to 863-774-7714.