Dead bug is a fun yoga pose with multiple benefits. I use dead bug as a wake-up exercise following relaxation. It’s an easy transition since the children are already lying on their backs. Dead bug can also be called octopus or jelly fish and is a great pose to incorporate into an ocean sequence.
BENEFITS
- Balances brain hemispheres
- Calms and restores the central nervous system
- Strengthens the core
HOW TO BE A DEAD BUG
Lie on your back. Lift up arms and legs. Lengthen your arms and legs to build core strength. Breath in and out while making your arms float slowly back and forth making “X’s” in the air. This locomotor movement crosses the brain and bodies midlines, which balances and organizes the brain’s hemispheres.
BONDING AS A BUG
Dead bug can also be done as a partner pose with toddlers. Parents, lie on your back. Bend your knees and place your child on their stomach on your legs. Hold their hands and sway your feet slowly back and forth. Remember to breathe in and out as you move.
Lying on the floor waving limbs in the air never gets old. It is a great way to de-stress children of all ages. Try it…
