What is a safe, beginning core exercise to do with kids?

Planks are a safe, effective option. I suggest making it a competition of sorts to keep it interesting. For instance, during a commercial break from favorite cartoons, I will hit the ground with my boys, Price (10) and Parker (4) and have a plank challenge. Don't be surprised if the kid's can hold it longer than you after a few sessions. Make sure to emphasize form and participate in the drill.
Lead by example and everyone benefits.

 

One of my favorite core exercises to do with children is the plank. As a gymnastics coach I even had my little three year olds doing this exercise! The plank is performed on the forearms and toes with the body making a straight line from the head to the heels. Elbows should be directly underneath the shoulders. Have the children start just holding this position for 10 seconds. As they develop strength, work toward increasing the length of time to one minute.

Advanced variations of the plank can include lifting one leg a few inches of the floor, lifting an arm up and extended off the floor, and also combining the two movements by lifting the opposite arm and leg off the floor and holding the position.

The plank is a very safe and fun core exercise to use, and challenge children with.

Core exercises are great idea for kids. A simple way to exercise the core starts by laying on the abdomen, or belly. Do it with your kids and have everyone keep the arms outstretched in front and the legs outstretched behind. Try lifting the arms and legs from the ground at the same time and holding that position for 10-20 seconds. Start with just a few repetitions and then increase. It is very easy exercise to start with and kids will feel success from the beginning.