Inclusive Resource on Sensorimotor Child Development for Parents and Teachers

Exercise Ball Games to Increase Back Strength

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABig, colorful exercise balls are a staple of gyms and therapeutic settings.  Because of the dynamic nature of balls (they roll), more core work is required to stay on the ball. The muscles necessary for balancing get into the act.  That’s why trainers and therapist have used them for years.  Children like them because they are fun.

 

 

 

 

Equipment:

  • Inflatable ball
  • Very small children can use and oversized beach ball
  • Regular sized kids (3-5) can usually use an inexpensive large plastic ball found in grocery stores and big box stores
  • Gym balls:
  • Size:  The child should be able to sit on top and feet just touch the floor.  If bigger than this, an adult needs to be sure to provide added support.

Benefits:

  • Because the ball moves, muscles all over the trunk work to maintain balance.
  • By looking forward, back and neck muscles get stronger.
  • As the hands support weight of the body on the floor, the arms, wrists, hands and fingers get stronger.
  • This is a HEAVY WORK activity.  As the child works hard, proprioceptors are firing and helping to get filters working in the brain for good attention and focus.

Directions:

Blast off:  The child holds arms up as I count “10, 9, 8…Blast off!” The child is thrust forward and lands on open hands on the floor (a carpeted surface is recommended).

20091107_0121

 

 

Statue or Freeze:  The child moves forward on hands until you say “freeze” and the child is suppose to stop and stay still like a statue.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Red Light Green Light:  Slightly more dynamic but essentially the same as above.  The child stops and goes in various locations.  this not only strengthens the back but also challenges  balance reactions.

Special Considerations:

  • When children have weak core strength (e.g. the back sags) provide extra support in the hips as the child walks out on hands.
  • Encourage the child to keep hands open for extra strengthening of hand muscles.
  • Children with Sensory Processing issues love doing these activities repeatedly!
Similar posts
  • A Shining Star! In our youth oriented culture, getting older tends to herald the decline of bodily functions and a wistful outlook, with memories of good times receding in the past. The silver lining of growing older, is that you get to witness how things turn out. In my case, I get to hear about the kids I [...]
  • Travel We are approaching the most heavily traveled season on the year.  Along with the joys of visiting family and friends, we often struggle through traffic jams of mammoth proportions.  Whether facing flying delays or miles of crawling traffic, when kids are in tow, the frustration and anxiety can multiply. No matter whether you take a [...]
  • Lasagna Gardening It’s time to Tuck in the Garden.  As Daylight Savings ends and temperatures plummet, the days of growing delicious food at the Truro Community Children’s Garden is ending for the season.  We’ll still be able to snitch kale and mint leaves for smoothie snacks, but our big job right now is preparing the garden beds [...]
  • Push Pin Pumpkins Benefits: When the push pin is held correctly, the muscles required for grasping a pencil are strengthened. Both hands are used, thereby building the habit to use two hands while working. Visual attention is required to make sure the pin is exactly on the line. Dots should be close together, so simple spatial planning/reasoning is [...]
  • Pumpkin Relay The Core gets a great workout when you crab walk.  Activating all those muscles and joints also stimulates filters and organizing parts of the brain.  So, when the kids start to get really excited about Halloween, grab a few pumpkins and challenge them to a crab walk race. Along with the positive brain organizing effects, [...]

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *