Playful exercises to improve the children’s balance

The magic of riding a scooter consists in maintaining stability in unstable positions. Many children solve this mystery quite intuitively on their own. But not all of them are naturally talented, and for them (and for everyone, who likes to play) we bring a fun exercise for balance training from the physiotherapist Alžběta Hlásková.

Standing on one leg 

• Practice this along with your children, stand on one (and then the other) leg, and laugh when you fall.
• Check to what extent you put weight on the heel, the big toe and little toe, and try to distribute weight evenly.
• Breathe calmly and get into a sense of general well-being.
• Notice wherever your muscles are activated. You will probably be surprised.
• Once you’ve gained stability, try changing positions – stoop a little, bend to the side etc. Take turns with the children in deciding the next change of position. Rest in each position for a while and enjoy a moment of peace.
• Then try moving your arms in various ways and observe what it does to your balance. After each change, stabilize again.
• Once you’ve got the hang of it, try doing normal activities while standing on one leg – cut out a picture, brush your teeth, etc.
• If you want, you can sing one song in each position. Notice how it changes your work with stability, if your head is focusing on something else.
• Finally, stand on both feet and enjoy the feeling of security and stability.

Instability makes life thrilling and interesting, just like riding a scooter, which you will now be much better at.