Parcours 3: The Core Power Circuit

Parcours 3: The Core Power Circuit

This circuit shifts focus from simple balance to strength and endurance. It requires students to maintain postures for longer periods and use their core muscles to control heavier equipment. This builds the physical resilience needed for long school days.

Core Focus

Postural Endurance. Developing the deep muscle tone that allows children to sit upright and focus for 45 minutes without fatigue.

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The 7 Ws of Parcours 3

1. Who? (Target Group)

Primary: Grades 2–4.
Secondary: Students with “slumping” posture or low muscle tone.
Prerequisite: Confidence on Parcours 1 & 2.

2. What? (Activity)

A challenging course utilizing heavier resistance and longer duration tasks.

3. Where? (Location)

Gymnasium: Mats required for all stations.

4. When? (Timing)

Phase: Mid-Point of program (Week 4-6).
Duration: 30 minutes.

5. Why? (Objective)

To combat “Postural Collapse”. Many children struggle to sit up straight because their core is weak. This leads to them leaning on desks, head in hands, putting the brain to sleep.

6. How? (Methodology)

Time-Under-Tension: Instead of “number of reps,” focus on “how long can you hold it correct?”
Cue: “Make yourself as tall as a tree.”

7. Which? (Resources)

Equipment: Rola-Bola, Pedalo System (Wawago or multiple Classic), Weighted Balls, Gym Mats.

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Detailed Course Description

A physically demanding circuit that rewards effort and stamina.

1. The Pedalo Endurance (10m - 15m)
   Using Pedalo Classic or Wawago.
   Challenge: Ride a longer distance or around a wide perimeter.
   Variation: Ride backward to engage different muscle chains.
   Skill: Leg strength and aerobic capacity.

2. The Atlas Carry (Balance Beam + Weight)
   Walking on the Balance Beam while carrying a Medicine Ball (1-2kg) or heavy book.
   Challenge: Keep the object held high above the head or pressed to the chest without wobbling.
   Skill: Core engagement and spinal alignment.

3. The Flamingo Stand (Floor/Pad)
   Standing on a Balance Pad on one leg.
   Challenge: Close eyes and count to 10.
   Skill: Proprioceptive dominance (removing vision makes the muscles work harder).

4. The Surfer Squat (Rola-Bola)
   On the Rola-Bola.
   Challenge: Perform a slow squat (bend knees) and stand back up without the board touching the ground.
   Skill: Dynamic core control and thigh strength.

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How Kids Improve: The Science of Strength & Focus

Physical tone is directly linked to mental tone.

1. Reticular Activating System (RAS) Stimulation

The Science: The RAS in the brainstem regulates wakefulness. Posture muscles send signals to the RAS.
Improvement: By engaging the anti-gravity muscles (extensors) in the Atlas Carry, we send strong “wake up” signals to the brain. Students who slouch often feel sleepy; improving core strength helps keep the brain alert and receptive to learning.

2. Cerebellar efficiency

The Science: The cerebellum coordinates smooth movements.
Improvement: The Surfer Squat on the Rola-Bola is a high-computational task for the cerebellum. It must constantly micro-adjust muscle firing. Training this efficiency makes “sitting still” much metabolically cheaper for the child, leaving more glucose for the prefronal cortex (thinking).

3. Proprioceptive Feedback Loop

The Science: Heavy work (lifting, pushing) releases dopamine and serotonin.
Improvement: The resistance provided by the Pedalo Wawago or weighted balls provides “heavy work” input. This is calming and organizing for the nervous system, especially for hyperactive (ADHD) children. It helps them feel “grounded.”

4. Respiratory Coordination

The Science: Posture affects breathing depth.
Improvement: To balance well with a weight overhead, one must breathe rhythmically. Better diaphragm function oxygenates the blood better, fueling the brain for academic work.

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