Snake Strike

  • Strengthens abdominals and legs (glutes and hamstrings)
  • Improves pelvic stability, which assists with balance walking (flat, incline, decline) and climbing up/down steps or uneven surfaces safely.
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • This exercise can be useful with children who have difficulty completing the Crab Crawl, to help build their strength.

Instructions

  1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart on the floor 
  2. Squeeze your tummy and push your hips up into the air
  3. Lift one foot up (like a snake about to strike) and then lower it back down, 4-10 times
  4. Then switch legs
Snake Strike 1
child_snake_strike_2

Watch Points

  • Feet and knees hip-width apart
    Neck and shoulders relaxed
  • Bottom staying up, keeping your body in a straight line from shoulders to knees.  Achieve this by pushing your heels into the floor and keeping your tummy muscles squeezed.
  • Do steps 1 to 2 of the Snake Strike and hold that position.  Keep both feet on the floor rather than lifting your foot.

Seated:

  • Squeeze your tummy and lift one leg up off your chair.  Keep your leg lifted while you count to ten, then change legs.