Core Strength Training for Kids

A sedentary lifestyle will lead to poor core strength in kids just as it will in adults. But it's not just sedentary kids who benefit from core training. A strong core improves athletic performance, can help prevent some sports injuries and improves posture. A study published in a 2009 issue of European Journal of Social Psychology and cited in Psychology Today shows how posture also affects self-esteem, which is important as kids, particularly girls, approach adolescence.

Keep It Short; Make It Fun

While you may be willing to spend hours each week to meet your fitness goals, kids tend to do better with several shorter bouts of no more than 15 minutes at a time. Exercises should be fun and not so challenging that they lead to failure. For fun, include routines that involve movement or even races. For a sense of accomplishment, include isometric poses that kids can hold for longer periods of time. Always demonstrate the exercises yourself so it's easier for kids to understand what they are supposed to do.

Dead Bug

Tell your child to pretend he's a dead bug. Show him how to lie on his back with his knees bent and feet flat on the floor. His hands will rest along his sides. Have him lift his bent right knee toward his chest while simultaneously arching the right arm over his head. Have him start slowly on one side, stop for a moment and then work the other side until he gets the hang of it. Then encourage him to keep it moving. Children old enough to have better coordination can then try lifting the opposite knee and arm at the same time.

Crabby Walking

The crab walk makes exercise a game. Have your child get into a crab position, face up, so that his torso forms a table -- or as close to that as he can get -- while keeping his feet under his knees and his hands under his shoulders. Individually, you can have him crab walk forward to a certain point and then backward to the starting point. Kids can also race each other. Encourage them to keep their butts up but don't be too critical. OT Mom Learning Activities suggests placing on the child's tummy a beanbag or other soft toy that he has to keep from falling off. Slightly older kids can play crab soccer with a beanbag or soft ball.

Self Competition

Not only is the classic plank an extremely effective core exercise, it can benefit kids who don't tend to succeed at competition. By competing against their own time and working toward a goal they can meet, these kids will feel a greater sense of accomplishment. Plus, the core work may help them compete more successfully when playing sports. Have the child get into a plank position so he is resting on his forearms. Don't set a timed goal to begin with. Just see how long he can hold the position without sagging. After that, ask him to work at it every day or every other day, setting a goal of 30 and then 60 seconds. When the child can do that, have him try a straight-armed plank and then a plank for which he lifts one leg at a time.

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