Heavy Work

Share It If You Like It:

About Heavy Work

Heavy work refers to activities that push or pull against the body or involve carrying. Heavy work strengthens and maintains the proprioceptive system by offering resistance to joints, muscles, and connective tissues. According to pediatric occupational therapist (and author of Balanced And Barefoot) Angela Hanscom, “Heavy work helps to develop a strong and capable proprioceptive system.” (Hanscom, Angela J. Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children (p. 41). New Harbinger Publications. Kindle Edition.)

There are many benefits to heavy work, it:

Can be emotionally calming
Builds large and small muscle strength and control
Can build confidence and pride in children as they complete tasks and meet physical challenges
Can increase focus and alertness
Releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and regulates the sensory system
Helps children learn to self-regulate

A few examples of heavy work:

Climbing up a slide, tree, rope, piece of furniture, or playground structure
Riding a bike, scooter board, scooter, skateboard, or tricycle
Carrying buckets, rocks, backpacks, laundry baskets, or suitcases
Digging in sand, dirt, snow, or mud
Pushing a wheelbarrow, wagon, shopping cart, vacuum cleaner, or person on a swing
Manipulating play dough, clay, or mud
Pulling weeds, wagons, or sleds
Throwing rocks, balls, or bean bags

Contribute content to Playvolution HQ
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning

Thoughts On This Entry?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on improving this entry and suggestions for additional glossary additions in the comments below. You can also contact me with comments or concerns.