|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Stretching Activities for Kids

Stretching your muscles helps stimulate blood flow, loosen tight muscles, boost energy, improve joint function, and sharpen coordination. Perhaps stretching's greatest benefit is an increased range of motion, making it easier to perform simple tasks such as tying a shoelace, reaching high or even scratching your back. Stretching also is a way to get children moving in the morning and there are exercises they can have fun doing.

  1. Runner's Stretch

    • Sit on the ground, stretch your left leg in front of you and your right leg behind you. Your legs should look like they would if you were jumping a hurdle. Lean forward with your left hand and try to touch the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes. Repeat with your right leg three times on each side. Make sure to tell the kids not to lean back and forth, or bounce, when touching their toes, and remind them not to grab and pull their toes toward their bodies. Bouncing can strain a muscle and pulling back on your toes does not properly stretch your leg.

    Arm Circles

    • Stick out your arms shoulder high, make your palms flat and turn your arms in a circle. Start by making large circles for about 60 seconds, then switch to small, tight circles for 60 seconds. Repeat three times. Stretching shoulder muscles and joints in the morning helps with your range of motion throughout the day.

    Toe Touch

    • Stand with your legs about shoulder-width apart. Lean down and touch your right finger tips to the tips of your left toe. Raise up and touch your left finger tips to the tips of your right toe. Repeat about 30 times on each side. Stretching your lower back provides a stronger posture and aids in reaching high.

    Jumping Jacks

    • Stand with your legs together and your arms by your sides. Jump up and land with your legs spread about shoulder-width while stretching your arms above your head and clapping. Continue for 30 seconds, and have the kids count out loud each time they clap their hands. Jumping jacks works out the back, calves, hips, thighs and shoulders. It is designed to aid with warming up and cooling down.

Childrens Health - Related Articles