The Basic Natural Movements

The basic natural movements are classified into two: locomotor and non-locomotor or
axial movements. Locomotor movements are those that move the body in space in any
direction with the feet as the moving base. Non-locomotor movements are those in
which various parts of the body move in space with a fixed base. The base may be
standing, kneeling, sitting or lying.

Locomotor Movements

- Movements are those that move the in space in any direction with the feet as the
moving base. Example of this movements are;

Walking – Moving at moderate pace on feet, lifting one foot only after the other foot has
touched the floor or ground. Legs swing from the hips while the arms swing naturally at
slides.

Running – Moving on foot with springing steps at rapid pace such that for an instant
both feet are off-ground during each step.

Jumping – Springing and taking off with one foot and landing on both feet.

Hopping – Springing on one foot and landing on the same foot.

Skipping – Same procedure as in hopping, but bouncing lightly with alternative steps
and hops.

Leaping – Springing on one foot and landing on the other foot.

Galloping – Moving in continuous forward or sideward direction with one foot leading.

Sliding – Gliding along the floor with either foot.

Non-Locomotor Movements

- Movements that are those in which various parts of the body move in space with
a fixed base. The base may be standing, kneeling sitting or lying. And this
movement has different types namely;

Flexion – Bending or shortening of a body part occurring at a joint.

E.g. Half-Knees bend

Full-knees bend

Trunk forward bend

Arms forward bend

Head forward bend

Head sideward bend

Elbow bend
Extension – Turning, twisting or circling

E.g. Head twist

Trunk twist

Arm Shoulder Circling

Right arm circle forward

Left arm circle forward

Both Arms circling

Pendular – Swinging/swaying arms forward, backward or sideward

E.g. Arms swinging sideward

Arms swinging overhead

Body swaying right and left

Percussive – Striking and hitting; pushing and pulling

E.g. Arm strike with closed fist

Arm strike with open fist

Hit with one hand

Hit with both hands

Push with one arm: with both arms

Pull with one arm; with both arms

Vibratory – Shaking and beating

E.g. Shake arms and hands rhythmically.

Shake hips and shoulders to rhythmic pattern.

Vibrate entire body rhythmically.

Sustained – A slow, smooth flowing movement with a balance of movement throughout

the entire series.

E.g. Arm swinging continuously from side to side.

Arm moving laterally to right and left sides in continuous rhythmic pattern.

Arm circle swing continuously.

Suspended – A sharp movement followed by a series of slow or prolonged movements

until a peak is reached.

Both arms circle swing three or four times counterclockwise and stop movement with
arms diagonally forward, upward.