Why Are Cross Crawl Exercises So Good For Your Health?

The cross crawl pattern is a movement that helps stimulate the nervous system and brain functioning as it is based on using the most natural way in which our body should move- using oppositions, the right and left side of the body, like in walking. 

In recent years there has been many studies that shown the benefits of the cross crawl pattern exercises for our brain. 

The Cross Crawl Pattern is a movement pattern that uses oppositions such as crawling, swimming, walking and so on. It means that the opposite sides of the body work together- right arm and left leg, right leg and left arm are activated. Therapeutically, cross crawl refers to intentional activity where the opposite arm and leg cross the midline of the body – such as touching opposite foot to hand or opposite knee to elbow.  

You can try a simple cross crawl exercise by simply standing with feet shoulder width apart and bringing left elbow to the right knee and repeating this on the other side. However, there are lots and lots of exercises that you can use. 

Performing these movements helps to build better communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This has several benefits including improved cognitive function, decreased anxiety, and increased creativity. The Cross Crawl Pattern also helps increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which can help you with focus and concentration. For example, one recent study showed that doing Cross Crawl exercises helped improve the symptoms of ADHD and autism.

 

The benefits don't stop there! This movement can also help relieve stress, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels too. The Cross Crawl exercises can also be beneficial for your nervous system, which is responsible for relaying information between the brain and body. The pattern stimulates nerve fibres that run through the spinal cord, including those in both sides of it at once! This can help improve balance and coordination. 

How to Incorporate the Cross Crawl into Your Workouts? It is simple, any exercise in which you will be bringing the opposite leg to opposite arm will do. You can do this anywhere--at home, in the gym, or even outside! All you need is room to step out to either side or swing your legs. One of my favourite ways to incorporate the Cross Crawl into a workout is by doing it as part of a warm-up before. I like to add this movement pattern at the start because it helps prime the central nervous system and get the body ready for the workout ahead. 

If you're looking for a challenging workout, try adding some weights to your Cross Crawls! This will make them even more effective at stimulating your nervous system and improving brain function. No matter how you choose to do them, the Cross Crawl exercises are a great way to improve your overall health and well-being! 

So, the next time you're looking for a way to give your brain and nervous system a boost, try doing the Cross Crawl exercises! And of course – see your chiropractor and get adjusted! It's a great way to keep you healthy and functioning at your best!