Core Exercises for Children – Postural Painting

Need a new idea for core exercises for children?  Here is a fun twist on painting that will also encourage strengthening of the core muscles.

Hang up some paper on the wall.  We hung it up on some cardboard in case the kids paint off the paper.

Put some paint on a tray.  The child can lay of the floor on his/her back.

To get those abdominal muscles working, the child then puts both feet in the paint, lifts up and presses feet against the paper.  Make sure the child keep the small of the back flat on the floor as they lift the feet.

For some extensor strengthening (back muscles) put the child over a ball or bolster.  The child puts his/her hands in the tray, lifts up and presses hand against the paper.

To increase the difficulty, see if the child can hold his/her upper body off the ball and glide his/her hands all over the paint.

Have a bucket of water or wipes close by to clean up the feet and hands when all done.

Play Strong – Download of electronic book with activities to promote muscle strengthening in children.