Crawling Benefits The Back

Returning to being a baby for a while exploring the world on all fours is not only an interesting playful proposal, but also a way to strengthen the muscles of the back.

By raising the head with the hands and feet on the ground, the spine straightens and the breathing becomes deeper.

Crawling is the first movement that babies use to move. It is amazing to see how they move from one side to another at full speed without suffering their knees, hands or spine.

For an adult it is also a harmonic, symmetrical and coordinated movement, which frees the spine from the weight it supports in an upright position.

Benefits of crawling

The beneficial effects of crawling, which are noticeable from the first days, go beyond the back:

• It tones and strengthens the muscles of the spine, in a symmetrical and parallel way, which allows correcting decompensations.
• Tones and strengthens the shoulder and pelvic girdles, which connect arms and legs to the trunk, respectively.
• Improves elasticity of ankles and hands.
• By position, blood flow to the brain increases.
• It helps in digestive processes and improves intestinal peristaltic movement.
• Some studies also show the benefits of crawling for spinal conditions such as scoliosis.

There are different exercises for crawling to have a therapeutic effect, but if you have a problem with your knees you should first consult a specialist and never hit them.

How to practice crawling effectively?

The first step is to get on all fours on the floor, with your hands aligned with your shoulders ; the knees must be under the hips.

Once in position, distribute your body weight evenly between your hands and knees and keep your head up, trying to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed.

He begins to crawl with relaxed and rhythmic movements, transferring the weight of the body in a fluid way.

It is recommended to walk on all fours for a maximum of five minutes a day to take advantage of all its benefits but without overloading the knee joints.

How to encourage crawling in babies

When we think of crawling, the idea of ​​a baby always comes to mind. Indeed, this is a very important exercise especially for babies, since it allows them to strengthen their back and prepare them to learn to walk. There are also ways to encourage them to practice it.

With a small yoga or pilates ball, you can help boost that crawl:

1. Lay him face up on top of the ball so his back is arched over the ball. Get behind him and hold him firmly by the ankles. Rock it very gently back and forth.

2. Now do the same by turning it upside down.