Improves posture. A strong torso is vital for good posture, and to complete many tasks such as sitting on the floor or in a chair, walking/running and fine motor movements such as writing
This is a great exercise to do just prior to handwriting or other fine motor activities, because it activates the core and upper limb muscles.
This is also a bilateral coordination activity, which can be useful to support attention and concentration.
Combine this exercise with the Horse Kick, to develop children’s abilities in motor planning and sequencing of movement.
Instructions
Start kneeling on all fours
Lift one arm and your opposite leg
Hold for 5 seconds and then switch sides
Watch Points
Start position of right angles at shoulders & hips
Back flat like a table
Hips still throughout the exercise
A straight horizontal line between the lifted hand and lifted foot
Modifications
More Challenging
Multi-Sensory
Ball Skills
Fine Motor
Make the Elephant Balance easier by lifting only one arm OR one leg at a time
Seated:
Point one arm up to the ceiling and the other arm down to the ground. Then switch to point them the other way. If you can, include your legs into this exercise also by lifting your opposite leg towards the arm that is pointed up.
Try the Elephant Balance in a full push-up position (balancing on your hands and toes, with your back straight). Lift only one leg or one arm at a time.
Imagine you are an elephant having a swim, dip your trunk into the water and then spray your back.
What other animals are swimming with you?
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Progress Tracker
How well can you balance, while keeping your back flat? Time how long you can balance a pencil case on your back while doing the Elephant Balance.
