Sit-Ups

Purpose:

To strengthen the muscles that help control the trunk in sitting, standing, and walking. 

Directions:

Have the child lie face up with the knees bent and both feet flat on the floor. Ask the child to reach one hand out to each knee, raising the head and shoulders off the floor. This activity should be performed slowly. Ask the child to return slowly to the floor. 

Important:   

• Do not allow the child to push the body up with one or both hands. 

• If the child is unable to sit up independently, allow them to start in a partially inclined position using a wedge or pillow. 

Make it fun! Place a beanbag animal on top of each knee. Have the child grab the animals from the knees on the way up, and return to the floor to place them in a bucket or other container