Planning: Every movement has some level of planning. Kids have to decide which way they would go around a tree, where they would place their next clip, and how they would move from one obstacle to the next, to name but a few.

Proprioception: Balancing on floating ladders, walking on ropes, and climbing nets; parents and children get challenged to practice their proprioception. Proprioception is great for balance and preventing injuries while playing sports and in everyday life. It is also extremely important for adults to practice this to prevent falling as we age.

Body in space + Midline crossing: Movement in our normal daily activities is usually one-directional, forwards. With Acrobranch obstacle courses children are challenged with lateral movement, rotation, reversing, and getting a general idea of where their bodies are in space and what to do in order to move in the intended direction.

Core strength and Stability: We often think of core strength as abdominal strength. What people miss is that every movement has a core from where it originates. Acrobranch obstacle courses offer functional training; meaning not only do your abdominal area and back strengthen, but you also get to condition the core of each movement e.g., shoulder stability and hip stability.

Strength: Every movement these kids execute will condition either power or muscle endurance. Again, full body conditioning. I must admit I had a few aches and pains myself the next day – all signs of a great overall workout.

Flexibility and reach are improved as children challenge themselves to move between obstacles.