Parent Workout Challenge

July 25, 2025

🦍 Push & Pull Day: Build Strength, Balance & Laughter at Home

Pushing and pulling are fundamental movement patterns every child should develop early. Not only do these actions improve strength and coordination, but they also support better posture, core control, and motor planning. Even better? Kids LOVE them.

This activity uses simple household items (like a towel and a little imagination!) to get your child’s whole body moving—and laughing.

🧠 Why Push & Pull Movements Matter

These two actions train:

Core stabilization
Force generation
Dynamic balance
Spatial awareness
Cooperative play

Whether your child is an athlete or just learning how their body works, this movement pattern lays the groundwork for everyday success.

🧒 Movement by Age Group

▶️ Ages 2–4:

Game: “Pull the Gorilla!”

Child pulls a small stuffed animal or toy across the floor on a towel.
You pull them slowly (with supervision!) to build trust and balance.

Goal: Develop coordination and whole-body tension in a fun way.

▶️ Ages 5–7:

Game: “Push the Gorilla!”

Your child pushes a heavy stuffed toy or even YOU (if you're on a towel!) across the hardwood floor or carpet.
Bonus points for trying it backward too!

Goal: Improve directional control and hip drive.

▶️ Ages 8–10:

Game: “Push & Pull Relay”

Time-based push/pull rounds: child pulls a sibling or weight (like books in a box) 10 feet, then pushes it back.
Add light obstacles or turns for challenge.

Goal: Build power, reaction time, and full-body engagement.

🧬 Science Spotlight: Why It Works

This activity promotes active motor control—not just passive strength. According to developmental motor science, children progress best when movement tasks:

Are ground-based
Include cross-lateral coordination
Mimic real-life problem solving

By age 6, kids should begin mastering bodyweight-based push and pull skills. Practicing these at home sets the stage for safe, confident movement during sport and play.