Meerkat Mission

  • Stretches thighs (quadriceps), which is important for other gross motor activities such as running, sprinting, jumping and kicking a ball
  • Improves balance
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • This stretch is beneficial before sport (to improve athletic performance, range of motion and injury risk), and after sport (to reduce muscle soreness, increase flexibility and enhance recovery).

Instructions

  1. Stand tall (beside a sturdy desk or wall in case you need help to balance)
  2. Press your right foot into the floor and lift your left foot up
  3. Hold your left foot and gently pull it towards your bottom
  4. Hold for 5 deep breaths, then switch legs
child_meerkat_stretch

Watch Points

  • Standing up tall, like a meerkat
  • Neck and shoulders relaxed
  • Bottom tucked under

Do the Meerkat Mission while:

  • Holding onto a sturdy desk or wall to help you balance
  • Focusing your eyes on something still (just above eye height) to help you balance

Seated:

  • Massage the top of your thighs with your forearms or elbows.

Lying:

  • Lie on your side or tummy with straight legs and knees together.  Bend your top knee and pull your foot up towards your bottom.