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Bear Crawl
Beginner

Bear Crawl

Rediscover primal movement patterns with this full-body exercise. Builds coordination, strength, and endurance simultaneously.

2-4 weeks

Focus Areas

Foundation Mobility Full Body Core Shoulders

Prerequisites

Basic quadruped position
Wrist strength for loading
Core strength for position
Coordination for crawling

The bear crawl returns adults to the fundamental crawling pattern, creating a full-body exercise that develops strength, coordination, and endurance. This quadrupedal movement, with knees hovering just above the ground, challenges the entire body while teaching efficient movement patterns. The exercise scales from basic forward crawling to complex multidirectional patterns, providing long-term progression.

At Beyond Movement, we embrace bear crawls as a diagnostic and training tool that reveals movement deficiencies while building comprehensive fitness. The exercise demands coordination between upper and lower body, core stability to maintain position, and the endurance to sustain quality movement. We progress from short distances with perfect form to longer durations and varied patterns.

Bear crawl training develops attributes unavailable through traditional exercises. The constant core engagement builds functional stability, while the crawling pattern enhances shoulder stability and hip mobility. Athletes find improved agility and body control, while the exercise serves as excellent conditioning without impact stress. The primal movement pattern also provides psychological benefits, reconnecting practitioners with fundamental movement.

Prerequisites

Master these skills first:

  • Basic quadruped position
  • Wrist strength for loading
  • Core strength for position
  • Coordination for crawling

Common Mistakes

Avoid these errors:

  • Hips too high

    Instead: Maintain low position

  • Knees touching ground

    Instead: Hover throughout

  • Uncoordinated limbs

    Instead: Opposite arm and leg

  • Holding breath

    Instead: Breathe rhythmically

  • Speed over form

    Instead: Prioritize quality

Ready to Master Bear Crawl?

Start your journey with a professional assessment and personalized training plan.

Book Your Assessment