Rediscovering Crawling: Why Adults Should Embrace Crawling Exercises

As babies, crawling is our first form of movement, an essential step in our development that builds strength, coordination, and mobility. But once we learn to walk, crawling tends to fall by the wayside. As adults, we rarely think about getting down on all fours unless we’re playing with children or picking something up off the floor. However, incorporating crawling exercises into your fitness routine can offer tremendous benefits, no matter your age or fitness level.

The Benefits of Crawling Exercises for Adults

1. Total Body Strength and Conditioning
   Crawling is a full-body workout. It engages muscles in your shoulders, arms, core, hips, and legs all at once, providing a comprehensive strength-building exercise. Whether you’re doing a bear crawl, crab crawl, or a mini bear crawl, the constant engagement of multiple muscle groups helps improve overall strength and endurance. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining functional strength as we age.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility
   Crawling exercises require a significant range of motion in the hips, shoulders, and spine. Regularly practicing these movements can help maintain and even improve joint mobility and flexibility. This is crucial for adults, as our flexibility tends to decrease with age, leading to stiffness and a greater risk of injury.
3. Enhanced Coordination and Balance
   Crawling requires coordination between your upper and lower body, as well as balance to keep your movements smooth and controlled. This kind of neuromuscular coordination is essential for maintaining stability in everyday activities. By incorporating crawling into your routine, you can improve your body’s ability to move fluidly and avoid falls or injuries.
4. Core Stability and Posture Improvement
   One of the biggest benefits of crawling is the engagement of your core. Keeping your torso stable while moving your limbs strengthens the deep core muscles that support your spine. This leads to better posture and reduced back pain, which is a common issue as we get older. A strong core also improves overall body mechanics, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
5. Low-Impact, Functional Fitness
   Crawling is a natural movement that is low-impact, making it an ideal exercise for those with joint issues or those recovering from injury. It’s a functional form of fitness that mimics natural human movement patterns, translating directly to improved performance in everyday tasks. Whether it’s lifting, reaching, or carrying, the strength and stability gained from crawling can enhance your functional capabilities.

Ready to Start Crawling Again?

Don’t underestimate the power of crawling. Incorporating these exercises into your routine can lead to improved strength, mobility, and overall well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about how functional movements like crawling can benefit you, click this link to book your Free No-Sweat Intro: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/lincoln-nutrition-fitness/no-sweat-intro. At CrossFit Lincoln, we’re here to help you rediscover the benefits of natural movement and stay active for life.