Play is very important for children’s development and as parents, we always want to give them the best. From toys for newborns that encourage more interaction to educational and sensory toys that can help them with learning different skills and stimulating the use of different senses.
Introducing the right sensory products can encourage sensory stimulation and development in children who have a low or high sensory threshold. While most sensory toys focus on taste, sight, hearing, taste and smell, some focus on body awareness and balance, such as anti-burst gym balls. An anti burst gym ball is a great exercise and therapy tool suitable for kids with ADHD, SDP and kids who struggle with balance or low muscle tone.
It’s also known as a Swiss ball, an exercise ball, physio ball, stability ball and a number of other names relating to either its origin or use. This type of ball is made from durable material and with anti-burst technology for maximum safety and optimal comfort. It deflates slowly and safely when punctured rather than bursting suddenly like a balloon.
It’s a fun and highly therapeutic product that can help with balancing exercises and skills, coordination skills and increases flexibility. Originally, balance balls were developed in the 1960s for physical therapy purposes, but who knew that one day they’d be recommended for children who have trouble focusing in school?
Today balance balls can be found in gyms, fitness centres and school classrooms. They can be used as an alternative for chairs in elementary and middle school classrooms to help children with ADHD, SDP or just a strong need to fidget, reach their full potential. You can choose an anti burst gym ball and discover the benefits it provides.
Benefits of Anti-Burst Balls for Kids
Every kid has a need for movement. Generally speaking, people don’t sit still and when it comes to children, they are always wiggling around. Young children are even more wiggly because their sensory systems are still developing, so it’s no surprise many of them need recess at school.
Running, jumping, twirling, spinning, are just some of the activities that are very important for the development of children’s central nervous systems, their brain and body. Movement actually allows for attention and alertness and for some kids with an SPD or ADHD, being in motion allows their brains to be engaged.
Whether your child has SPD or ADHD or is just plain fidgety, anti-burst balls are great seating options for kids who need to wiggle. When fully inflated, they can be used as balance balls to develop proper posture and sitting habits, especially for children who are sensory seekers and need a good bounce and children who are sensory under-responsive and need good positioning for their core.
Also, you can partially deflate the anti-burst balls and use them for your sensory over-responsive children who need to calm down. When partially deflated, this type of ball provides a calm place for sitting. The following are some of the benefits anti-burst balls provide for children.
Focus
When sitting on anti-burst balls, children show increased focus and ability to pay attention to their lessons, especially children who have ADHD. They often display a shorter-than-normal attention span and frequent fidgeting. According to some researches, sitting on an anti-burst ball can allow students some movement as they learn.
Constant movement is required in order to stay seated on this type of ball. The slight body adjustments required to balance on the ball are natural and non-disruptive, providing an outlet for excess energy. Active sitting on anti-burst balls gives children a way to wiggle without disturbing the class or losing focus.
When children sit on anti-burst balls, they are able to direct their natural kinaesthetic energy and need for movement in a positive way. It allows them to focus on the work more and reach their full potential as learners.
Core Strength
Core strength in children is as important as it is in adults. A strong core can increase endurance and protect against injuries. Sitting up straight on an anti burst ball requires good balance and paying constant attention to your body position. While sitting on an anti-burst ball, the muscles activated grow stronger and contribute to increased core strength. In response to the anti-burst ball’s instability and in order to remain balanced while sitting on it. The body instinctively and continually engages core muscle groups.
Productivity
The increased focus that anti-burst balls provide in school can lead to higher levels of productivity. According to some studies, sitting on anti-burst balls can stimulate the brain and might improve memory, too.
How to Choose an Anti-Burst Ball for Kids
Safety is of utmost importance in schools and that’s why anti burst balls designated for classroom use should be outfitted with anti-rolling stabilisers to reduce the risk of falls. It’s important that the ball fits the child and his or her feet are flat on the ground. It’s extremely important that a small child doesn’t sit on an adult size ball. It’s always a good idea to speak with a physical or occupational therapist for recommendations regarding therapy and exercise ball sizing. By taking the time to choose the right size and type of anti-burst ball, you can ensure your child will be getting the most out of it each time they use it.
