Brain Gym

What is brain gym?

Brain

Gym is a program of physical

movements that enhance learning and
performance in ALL areas.
Brain Gym includes 26 easy and enjoyable
targeted activities that integrate body and
mind to bring about rapid and often dramatic
improvements in: concentration, memory,
reading, writing, organising, listening,
physical coordination, and more.

How to use brain gym

Why brain gym works

Brain

gym uses simple, enjoyable

movements to enhance whole brain
learning
Activities enable students to access parts
of the brain previously unavailable
Depending on the activity, reading, writing,
thinking and/ or self awareness can be
activated

When to use brain gym

Benefits
Brain Gym
develops the
brain's neural
pathways the
way nature
does through
movement

Enhance whole brain learning

Midline Movements

Integrate right and left sides

of the brain and body

Cross crawl
This contralateral
exercise, similar to
walking in place, helps
access both brain
hemispheres
simultaneously and is
the ideal warm-up for
crossing the midline

Lazy 8s
Extend one arm in front of your face. With
one thumb pointing upwards, slowly and
smoothly trace a large figure '8' on its side in
the air. Keep you neck relaxed and your
head upright, moving only slightly as you
focus on the thumb and follow it around.
Helps with: reading, speed reading, writing,
hand eye co-ordination.

Lengthening Activities

Help students develop and reinforce neural pathways that

enable connections between what is known in the back of the
brain and the ability to express and process that information in
the front of the brain

Focusing
The Owl - Improves
listening,
comprehension,
thinking, spelling and
Maths
Arm Activation - for
concentration

The Grounder
The grounder relaxes the ileopsoas
muscle group. These muscles
tighten in response to excessive
sitting or to stress in the pelvic area
and have the effect of restricting
movement and flexibility.

Activates the brain for centring

and grounding; helps focus.

Energy exercises/ Deepening

attitudes

Help re-establish neural connections between body and brain; facilitate the
flow of electromagnetic energy

Make Connections
Hook ups to play, work or
cooperate (defuse stress)
- While sitting or standing

The Thinking Cap

- use both hands
simultaneously to help
listening and improve short
term memory

Positive Points

Lightly touch the point above each eye halfway

between the hairline and the eyebrow with fingertips
of each hand. Close your eyes and breathe slowly
and deeply.
Helps release memory blocks; prevents flight or flight
response

Connecting brain neurons

Enhancing Learning

More Information?

www.braingym.org/
www.braingymwa.com.au/