Exercising with Medicine Balls & Balance Balls – Alternative Classroom Seating?

Collection of Medicine Balls

There is a large collection of medicine balls in our basement.  They range from very light to very heavy, (20 pounds).

Medicine balls are great to help build core strength. 

You can also toss medicine balls against a wall to build ballistic strength.

 

Balance Balls – Alternative Classroom Seating?

The first time I saw a large balance ball is when my tenant had one in her unit.  Balance balls were  created in the 1960’s for use by physical therapists.

I ended up buying one at the junk store for a sales price and I placed it in the basement gym.

It turned out to be quite useful for doing sit ups and keeping your balance. 

Large Exercise Ball

Balance balls are also used for alternative seating in school classrooms.  A few years ago, I walked in to one classroom with no chairs.  Every desk had a large balance ball to sit on.

Balance balls started initially out in the classrooms to be used by children with special needs. 

Apparently sitting or lightly bouncing on a large ball also helps students to focus their attention, improves muscle tone and posture.  Children need to move and channel their physical activity.

Manufacturers have expanded on this idea and now offer a variety of chairs to help with balance and classroom focus.

I’m not an educator or a physical therapist.  If you need additional information on this topic, please check with other reference sources.

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