Brain Gym Exercises
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body
Joseph Addison
English poet, playwright, politician
Brain Gym exercises are a series of simple, purposeful movements designed to enhance brain function and improve learning, focus, and coordination. Developed by educator Paul Dennison, these activities aim to integrate body and mind through physical movement. Common exercises include cross crawls, lazy eights, and hook-ups, which engage both brain hemispheres and stimulate neural pathways.
They are often used in educational and therapeutic settings to support concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. Brain Gym can benefit people of all ages, especially those with learning difficulties, ADHD, or stress-related issues, offering a natural way to boost cognitive and emotional performance.
How can you enjoy learning and reading if you find learning and reading difficult? By going through the Fast ForWord and Clear Fluency programme you can rewire your brain and once again enjoy learning and reading.
For an extra boost try these physical exercises before you start each session!
Brain gym is a programme committed to the principle that moving with intention leads to optimal learning. It is made up of a series of exercises that stimulate your brain. Through specific physical movements they promote mental clarity, improve co-ordination, reduce stress, and enhance overall cognitive abilities.
Studies have shown exercise can enhance your ability to learn and you will do better in cognitive tests if your exercise. These brain gym exercises, only a few of what is available, switch your brain on getting it ready to learn new things, help remember words, and never lose your place when reading. And they are fun to do!!!
Benefits of Brain Gym Exercises for Mental Health
Brain Gym exercises are simple, movement-based activities that promote mental health by improving focus, reducing stress, and enhancing emotional balance. These exercises stimulate both sides of the brain, helping to boost cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Movements like cross crawls and lazy eights encourage coordination and support better learning. Brain Gym can also reduce anxiety and increase energy by promoting relaxation and improving blood flow to the brain. Regular practice may benefit those with ADHD or learning challenges by helping to regulate mood and behavior. Overall, Brain Gym offers a natural, accessible way to support mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Top Brain Gym Exercises to Improve Cognitive Function
Cross Crawl
This exercise promotes co-ordination between the left and right hemispheres of the brain by crossing the brain’s midline. This is required during reading and writing.
Stand up, cross you left arm over your body, raise your right leg, touch your left elbow to your right knee; swap arms and legs crossing your right arm and touching your right elbow to your left knee. This makes one set.
If it is difficult to touch you elbow to your knee, touch the opposite shoulder or opposite elbow with your hand.
Do 5 to 10 sets.
Lazy 8s
The Lazy 8 exercise activates the eyes while crossing the brain’s midline. This assists with reading. The movement involves tracing an imaginary lateral 8. Begin with your left hand, hold your hand out in front of you with the thumb pointing up, align your thumb with your nose. Move your thumb as though you are tracing over a lateral figure 8, sweeping across the lateral midline of your body.
Do this three time with each hand, then three times with both hands together.
Brain Buttons
This exercise stimulates the arteries taking oxygenated blood to the brain. It helps awaken learners by raising their level of alertness. The thumb and second, or third, finger massages the points located in soft tissue between the collarbone and the first rib. Place your opposite hand over your belly button, massaging the points to the left and right of it.
Do this for 20 to 30 seconds then swap hands to activate both brain hemispheres.