Alligator Snap

  • Strengthens abdominals and glutes, which is important for postural strength and control
  • Strengthens legs, which is important for running and jumping
  • Improves pelvic stability and balance, which is important for walking (flat, incline, decline), climbing up/down stairs and managing uneven surfaces
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • Do this exercise before handwriting and other activities requiring a strong and steady base of support. This exercise activates the core muscles so they are ‘ready’ to be used during fine motor tasks.  Without this ‘readying’ of the trunk/core postural muscles, children can have more difficulty (or use more effort) maintaining an upright posture, which can impact on the quality of their handwriting or fine motor tasks.

Instructions

  1. Lie on your side
  2. Reach out your arms and legs, so you’re as long as possible
  3. Lift your top leg up in the air and then lower it back down (like the jaws of an alligator)
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Watch Points

  • Keep your body in a straight line (like a plank of wood)
  • Squeeze your tummy muscles and buttocks

Lying down:

  • Do the Alligator Snap with your hands on the floor beside you, to help you balance.

Standing:

  • Stand in front of a sturdy wall, bench or chair in case you need help to balance.
  • Slowly move one leg out to the side as far as you can (keeping your body tall and straight). Start with your arms by your side, and progress to arms straight up.

Seated:

  • Put your hands on the outside of each knee.  Push outwards with your knees and inwards with your hands.  Keep pushing while you count to 10.