This exercise stretches the muscles (and associated facial structures) that cross over the front and sides of the hips and thighs. 

Many children with movement difficulties have tightness in these muscles and this affects the child’s ability to stand erect with the feet parallel and fairly close to each other, and with the pelvis in good alignment.

Instead the child may stand with the pelvis tilted forwards and with a hollow back. Often the child will stand with the feet wide apart and turned out.  

Start position

Lie flat on the tummy and resting on the forearms. Bend the knees to about 90^0.

The elbows should be positioned just ahead of the shoulders.

Position a sandbag on either side of the thighs to stop them from moving sideways. 

Exercise instructions

1  Push up on the arms, extending the elbows and lifting the head and trunk up.

   Stay in this position for 2 slow counts. 

2  Return to the start position

Repetitions:  5

Sets:  2

Important note

Stretching exercises should not cause any pain. If your child experiences any pain performing this exercise, please consult your child's doctor or physical therapist.

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