Snail Curl

  • Calming
  • Stretches lower back and buttocks (glutes)
  • Provides deep pressure sensory input to a number of joints and muscles, which assists with achieving a calm, alert state, ready for learning
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • Snail Curl is a simple way to slow your breath, calm your mind, and restore a feeling of peace and safety.
  • Use Snail Curl at bedtime to help to release the worries of the day.
  • Use Snail Curl in the morning as a calm transition between sleeping and moving
  • Use this as an easy regulation position prior to doing activities sitting on the floor
  • This is an easy transition movement between multiple GymZOOnasium movements

Instructions

  1. Kneel on the floor with your bottom on your heels
  2. Bend forward to rest your chest on your knees and your head on the floor
  3. Stretch your arms out along the floor in front of you (or rest them by your side)
  4. Arch your back up towards the sky
  5. Breathe deeply into your lower back. With each breath out, relax a little deeper into the stretch.
child_snail_curl

Watch Points

  • Head resting on the floor.  If your head can’t reach the floor, rest it on your fists or a firm pillow.

Do the Snail Curl with:

  • Your arms by your side
  • Your head resting on your fists or a firm pillow, or
  • A folded towel or blanket on top of your feet

Seated:

  • Curl your upper body forwards like a snail hiding in its shell.