Butterfly Bliss

  • Improves hip/pelvic mobility, which is important for posture, sitting cross-legged, kicking a ball, athletics (e.g high jump, long jump), athletic ability and prevention of back pain/injury
  • Stretches adductors (inner thighs)
  • Assists in maintaining optimal spinal posture, which is important for sitting upright at a desk and on the floor
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • Use this as a transition activity before sitting cross legged on the floor.
  • This stretch opens up the pelvic hip musculature which will assist children to sit still and attentively in a cross legged position.
  • This exercise is useful to do in PE class or sports activities, prior to gross motor movements (e.g. kicking, running, jumping).

Instructions

  1. Sit up tall on the floor, with your feet together and knees out to each side 
  2. Hold your feet and lower your knees towards the floor
  3. Pull your body towards your feet (keeping your back straight)
  4. Hold for 10 deep breaths
child_butterfly_bliss

Watch Points

  • Back straight (sitting up tall)
  • Shoulders down and relaxed

Seated:

  • Lift one leg, putting your foot on your opposite thigh.  Use your forearm to gently push your knee down.  Hold for 5 deep breaths, then switch legs.