Why Are Flexible Exercise Spaces So Important for Children's Development?

Did you know that, according to WHO, 80% of children and adolescents don’t get enough movement? Physical activity is essential for healthy development, but childhood today is more unpredictable than ever. Movement is learning, and learning is movement. Yet, many parents struggle to encourage their children to be physically active. One solution? Flexible movement spaces that allow children to explore and develop freely.

Let’s explore how movement-friendly environments in daycare centers, schools, and other spaces can support children's development.

Movement Spaces: A Key to Holistic Development

For children, movement is a natural expression of joy—jumping, dancing, running, spinning. But it’s also the foundation of holistic development. Motor skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions all develop through movement. Every motion teaches something: gripping an object refines fine motor skills, stacking shapes builds spatial awareness, and twisting a bottle cap strengthens problem-solving abilities.

Movement isn’t just about physical activity—it shapes personality and cognitive growth. Thinking and acting are driven by movement. That’s why physical and cognitive development don’t happen separately; they are deeply connected. Creating movement-friendly environments lays the foundation for learning and growth.

Children’s Natural Urge to Move

Whether at home, in daycare, or outdoors, a child’s surroundings influence their movement behavior. Children are naturally drawn to motion—you can see it when they hop, spin, or run for no apparent reason. However, modern lifestyles often suppress this innate drive. Many children spend most of their day indoors, sitting for 7.5 to 10 hours daily, with rigid chairs and heavy tables reinforcing physical passivity.

This is why flexible, movement-friendly spaces—no matter how small—are crucial. These spaces shouldn't be limited to schools and daycares; they should also be part of home environments.

What Is Integrative Movement?

Physical activity shouldn’t be confined to scheduled sports lessons. Instead, movement should be woven into everyday life. Simple, unconscious activities—like shifting between sitting and standing—are called integrative movement. Natural postures during play and learning on the floor also contribute.

Spaces that encourage spontaneous and intuitive movement continuously engage muscles, improve circulation, boost metabolism, and enhance well-being.

The Concept of a Movement Space

Movement spaces should cater to diverse needs and abilities. The educator Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, described space as the "third teacher"—just as influential as parents and educators. A child’s physical, emotional, and social development is shaped by their environment.

Flexible furniture and adaptable room setups allow children to transform their space, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and self-directed play. A movement space should be a source of inspiration, allowing children to modify and explore their surroundings freely. The key is ensuring safety while maximizing opportunities for engagement and discovery.

Checklist for Designing a Movement-Friendly Space:

•  Flexible, versatile elements that adapt to different needs
•  A setup that encourages movement and interaction
  
• Opportunities for children to shape and change the space
•  Safe, injury-free design
•  Minimal adult intervention—fewer restrictions allow for more creativity

Flexible Elements for Movement Spaces in Daycare Centers

Children should be able to use their environment freely, exploring objects intuitively rather than following predefined functions. Lightweight, movable furniture supports different learning styles: individual work or group activities, sitting or standing, focused or relaxed engagement.

Mobile elements allow quick transitions between learning and movement. Even hallways and entry areas can become dynamic play spaces. Planning and setting up these areas together with children fosters collaboration, respect, and problem-solving. When kids take an active role in shaping their space, they develop a sense of belonging and teamwork.

Tips for Creating Movement Spaces in Daycare Centers:

•  Use lightweight, adaptable furniture that children can explore intuitively
• Mobile elements allow quick transformations within the space
• Involve children in setting up play and movement areas to encourage social interaction
• Ensure objects are easy for children to move and organize themselves

Nature: The Ultimate Movement Space

The best and healthiest environment for play and learning is the outdoors. Fresh air, open space, and natural elements engage all the senses. Outdoor play sparks creativity, strengthens the body, and deepens learning through real-world experiences.

Natural landscapes offer an endless variety of textures, shapes, and surfaces, encouraging children to move in diverse ways. Mobile elements can further enrich outdoor spaces, expanding movement, play, and learning opportunities.

Family time outdoors is just as valuable—exploring nature together boosts imagination and overall well-being. Fun fact: Stapelstein® Originals are versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors!

The Floor: An Overlooked Treasure in Movement Spaces

One of the most valuable, yet often forgotten, elements of a movement space is the floor. Unlike fixed furniture, the floor is open to endless possibilities—seating area, play zone, dance floor, workspace, or relaxation spot.

Sitting on the floor fosters connection and communication. Teachers and parents engaging at a child’s level strengthen bonds and encourage collaboration. Floor seating naturally promotes movement, posture changes, and blood circulation—especially when using dynamic seating options like the Stapelstein® Board.

Designing Spaces That Encourage Movement

For maximum freedom, toys and furniture should be easily storable to keep areas open for spontaneous movement. Schools and daycare centers serve children of varying ages and abilities, so the focus should be on variety and adaptability, rather than quantity.

• Movement-friendly design includes:
• Objects that can be adjusted for different skill levels
• Ergonomic furniture that grows with children (e.g., height-adjustable tables and stools)
• Modular setups that can be reconfigured for new activities

Did you know? By stacking Stapelstein® Originals with a Stapelstein® Board, you can create an adjustable-height dynamic stool!

Movement spaces should evolve with children's needs. By regularly evaluating and adjusting the setup, we can ensure that the environment remains engaging, inspiring, and supportive of development.