Upper body and core strengthening.

Introducing Alice Curtis:

I was really excited when I heard about Nimble Kids! As an Occupational Therapist, I am constantly on the lookout for safe, child-friendly equipment which offers the parents I work with good value for money. 

This equipment is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can be used for multiple purposes for my OT programs. 

I want to share in a series of short articles some ideas on how to get the most out of the Nimble Kids pieces which are best suited for children aged 0 – 6 years old.

The Large Pikler and climbing frame can be used for developmental gains in a variety of areas. It is a piece of equipment originally developed by paediatrician Emmi Pikler. The simplicity of the Pikler makes it a blank canvas to individualise to your child. 

Let’s first look at Upper Body and Core Strengthening.

Development of upper body and core strengthening is the foundation behind many skills your child will need to achieve their potential. 

For younger ones, core strength is the building block behind maintaining standing and sitting positions without support as well as affecting their head, shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger positions. 

As our motor control develops from proximally (from the body) to distally (our limbs) for older kiddies, upper body and core strength is the foundation behind developing fine motor skills which we use for handwriting, feeding and so much more. The grasping, reaching, pulling, pushing and holding movements that the Pikler encourages can be scaffolded to be motivating and challenging for children up to the age of six (6) years of age. 

By Alice Curtis - Director & Occupational Therapist. Empower Therapy