Mountain Climber

  • Strengthens upper limbs (shoulders and arms), which is important for pre-writing/handwriting and fine motor control.
  • Strengthens abdominal muscles, which is important for maintaining upright posture while sitting at a desk.
  • Provides deep pressure proprioceptive input to the muscles and joints, and stimulates the vestibular system, both of which can be useful for regulation (to achieve a ‘calm, alert’ state, ready for learning).
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • This is an ideal exercise to do just prior to handwriting and fine motor tasks, to improve performance in these tasks. It has the dual benefit of activating the core (trunk and abdominals) and upper limb muscles (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers).

Instructions

  1. Start in a full push-up position (with your  hands and feet on the floor)
  2. Step one foot forward
  3. Jump to switch your legs (so the back leg comes forward and the front leg goes back)
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Watch Points

  • Squeezing tummy muscles
  • Back straight
  • Shoulders pulled down and back
  • Hips staying level, and as still as possible

Standing:

  • Have your arms straight out in front of you and hands pushing gently against a wall. March your legs up and down, lifting your knees up as high as you can.

Seated:

  • Sit up tall and put your arms straight out in front of you. Keep your arms straight and strong, as though you’re pushing against an invisible wall. March your legs up and down, lifting your knees up as high as you can.