YES!!

In an infant the cross crawl pattern is extremely important in brain and nervous system development, but did you know that cross crawling as an adult also has HUGE benefits??

The cross-crawl technique is one of the easiest ways to activate your brain development and nervous system to give it the proper motor and sensory stimuli it needs to take control of your bodily functions—thereby preventing or rehabilitating health problems? 
The cross-pattern movement builds the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, allowing for electrical impulses and information to pass freely between the two.

All of your bodily systems depend on cross-crawl integration, even activities in your brain, such as learning language, reading, hand-to-eye coordination and communication.

Signs that your cross-pattern movements could use some sharpening include:

• Lack of coordination and balance
• Difficulty reading
• Exhibiting learning disabilities, such as dyslexia
• Clumsiness
• Stuttering
• Saying things backwards

Fortunately, you can reprogram your nervous system and strengthen the connection between the right and left sides of your brain using cross-crawl exercises. Remember, nerves are very much alive and willing to learn new things; they actually die if not stimulated!

Engaging in a cross-crawl exercise regimen will…

• Promote all- over healing
• Reduce stress
• Improve focus
• Increase energy
• Develop whole brain functioning

How to Cross-Crawl

1. Stand with your spine erect and arms at your sides.
2. On an inhale, raise your right arm up. At the same time you raise your right arm, lift your left leg, bending at the knee.
3. On an exhale, lower both the right arm and left leg.
4. On an inhale, raise your left arm up. At the same time, lift your right leg, bending at the knee.
5. On an exhale, lower both the left arm and right leg.

Full range of motion, not speed, is the most important component of this exercise. The higher you lift your arms and legs, the more you are energizing the brain development becomes, encouraging it to store new, more effective patterns of movement.

Use the breath to help you slow down the movements. Slower movements require more precise control, which delivers greater benefits, faster. Experts recommend 200 to 500 repetitions a day, but it is important to stop at the first sign of fatigue.

Such a simple exercise with HUGE benefits 🙂 And if you have a little one crawling at home go ahead and get on the floor and crawl with them! Baby will love it and you will both be exercising your brain!

Dr. Nicole Davis graduated from Logan University with not only her Doctorate in Chiropractic but her Bachelors in Life Sciences. After working with hundreds of clients a week in a busy Ohio Chiropractic clinic, she decided to head home to Des Moines to be closer to her family.  She currently specializes in family wellness care with advanced training in pediatric and pregnancy care, working alongside 2 other doctors in the only Wellness Center in Iowa to offer Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Specialized Pediatric and Pregnancy Care as well as Functional Medicine.  She loves spending time with family, friends and her dog, Maci. She is here to serve her community with love, support and enthusiasm.