Goanna Climb

  • Strengthens abdominals, which is important for posture
  • Strengthens the upper limb, which is important for developing fine motor strength and control
  • Is physically demanding and can thus be useful for helping children ‘use up’ excess energy
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • After lunch breaks, have students do this exercise against a wall before entering the classroom. This provides deep pressure sensory input to their torso and joints,which can assist them to  achieve a ‘calm, alert‘ state ready for learning.

Instructions

  1. Start in a push-up position, on your hands and knees
  2. Lower yourself onto your left forearm and then your right forearm too (so you’re now balancing on both forearms)
  3. Then push back up onto your left hand and then right hand (back to the starting position)
  4. Repeat, each time switching the arm you move first
Goanna Climb 1
child_goanna_climb_2

Watch Points

  • Looking down at the floor
  • Abdominals squeezed
  • Shoulders pulled down away from ears
  • Body in a straight line (tummy off the floor). Think of your body as a plank of wood being lowered down and lifted back up whilst staying strong and straight.
  • Hips level with the floor throughout the movement (rather than rocking or swaying).

Standing:

  • Do the Goanna Climb with your hands on a wall (easiest) or sturdy bench (more difficult).

 

Seated:

  • Place your hands on your thighs. Lean forward from your hips, keeping your back straight. Lower yourself onto your left elbow, then right elbow also. Then push back up onto your hands (one at a time), pushing you back up to an upright seated position.  Repeat, changing the arm you lead with each time.