Currently, modern parents and many medical specialists are of the opinion that the child must be developed from a very early age. Today, many techniques and exercises on the gymnastic ball for babies are used.
What is a gym ball?
A gymnastic ball, or fitball, sometimes called a Swiss ball or fitness ball, is a sphere made of elastic rubber, can be either smooth or have some structure (massage type), usually presented in several sizes, from small (for children), to large (for adults). On a large fitball, you can engage with a child, but accompanied by an adult, because it is necessary to hold and secure.
Due to elasticity and vibration, fitball has a soft and gentle effect on the bone and muscle systems of a person. Moreover, the result of working with him is very impressive and important. Today, the gymnastic ball is used not only in rehabilitation centers, in hospitals or sanatoriums, but also it is widely used in gyms and even in birth wards.
Gymnastics ball for babies: contraindications
Exercise on the ball for babies is a great opportunity to work out all muscle groups. It is very easy to use, safe and has an anti-explosion system. Despite such an easy and soft use of the ball, it has a number of contraindications, in which it is not worth doing exercises with its use. Let's take a closer look:
The baby has not yet fully healed the umbilical wound.
With any ailments of the baby (illness, temperature, poor health).
The child does not want to do gymnastics for some reason.
Definitely, the baby must be taught to gymnastics gradually, despite the fact that most children enjoy the exercises on the ball. For babies, this can be some stress, so it is important to monitor the time spent on the fitball, the smoothness of movements and other factors.
Positive aspects of fitball lessons
Exercise on the ball for babies, of course, are of great benefit. With the right approach to exercises, the baby arrives not only in an excellent mood, but also receives a huge development of the entire muscular system as a whole.
Why exercises on a fitness ball for babies are so good:
They make it possible to reduce muscle hypertonicity in a baby.
They strengthen all muscle groups.
Help develop coordination of movements.
Promote the formation of proper posture.
Train the vestibular apparatus.
Contribute to the development of the musculoskeletal system.
Normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.
Strengthen the immune system.
Activate the metabolism.
Increase the stamina of the body.
They help improve digestion by relaxing the abdominal muscles.
Of course, training on the gymnastic ball is much more interesting and more fun than a simple exercise or plain laying out the baby on the tummy. Gymnastics with fitball is more diverse and dynamic, which is especially useful for a growing organism and sets the necessary pace for its development.
How to choose a fitball for a newborn?
When choosing a ball, first of all, focus on size. If you take a small one, it will not be very convenient for you to do all the exercises on the gymnastic ball for infants, so choose the best maximum size, its diameter is about 75-80 cm. Even adults and older children can easily do this ball.
In addition to size, it is important to look at other parameters:
Material. It should be dense, uniform, without noticeable seams and odor. Usually a large ball should support a weight of up to 150 kg, check this point before buying.
The so-called anti-explosion system or, in other words, the ABS-Anti-Burst System. An important indicator for the safe use of the ball.
Nipple - must be soldered inside the ball.
Manufacturer. It is best to use trusted manufacturing companies that give a guarantee of quality, since this sports equipment will be used for the development of infants.
Gymnastics rules on a fitness ball for newborns
In addition to the above parameters, which are important to pay attention to, I would like to note a few more rules that are important to adhere to before starting the practical part of using the gymnastic ball:
You can start practicing on the ball with a child at the age of 2-3 weeks, but only after consulting a pediatrician and, accordingly, his permission.
Up to 3-4 months on a fitball, it is necessary to lay a diaper on which the baby will later lie.
It is necessary to withstand a break after eating, at least one and a half hours of rest, no gymnastics.
It starts with a few minutes (about 4-6), gradually increasing the duration of exercises the next time.
The baby must be undressed before gymnastics.
Morning hours are the best time for classes when the baby is satisfied and calm.
Well, if the classes will have a quiet musical accompaniment.
During the exercise, avoid the ability to hold or even pull the child by the feet or hands, this is too heavy a load for him at this age.
If the child is not in the mood for exercise, set them aside for another time.
Remember: a gym ball has an important advantage in its ease of use, do not be afraid that something might not work out. But if in doubt, you can contact the instructor for the first lesson.
Exercises
Classes on a fitness ball for babies can be considered general developmental and general strengthening. It is important to know that for each child exercises on the gymnastic ball are useful, the main thing is that there are no contraindications.
Exercises on a gymnastic ball with newborns begin with the simplest elements. Further, when gaining experience and in the process of growing up a child, gymnastics classes can be supplemented, complicated and made more diverse. And the trainings themselves, respectively, will become longer and more productive at this stage of the child’s development.
Children from 2 weeks to six months
For children of this age category, it is worth using the simplest exercises:
Swing on your stomach. It is an exercise on the ball for infants 2 months or more, where the baby is located on the gymnastic ball with his stomach down, which allows him to grasp the ball with legs and arms. Hands of parents should be located on his back, thus providing support. With the smooth movements of the baby, first shake it back and forth, after - from side to side, and then - in a circle. The main thing is to make movements gently and smoothly so as not to scare the baby. This exercise especially helps with intestinal colic, because it provides an opportunity to relax the muscles of the peritoneum.
Wiggle on the back. This exercise is similar to the previous one, only it is performed by a child lying on his back, parents accordingly provide support for the stomach and chest. This exercise on the ball for infants is 4 months old and not only allows you to relax your back muscles and at the same time makes your abdominal muscles work.
"Football". The baby is located on the back, on the couch, bed or on the floor. Gently roll the gym ball to its legs. The child will instinctively push him away. This exercise on the ball for infants for 3 months contributes to the development and strengthening of the muscles of the legs and abs.
Exercises for children from six months and older
For children of this age, you can choose exercises on the fitness ball more diverse, complex and active.
Exercise on the ball for infants 6 months:
Jumping on the gym ball. It is necessary to fix the ball near the wall with your feet, put the baby on it, holding the hands on the body, to show how the fitball can spring and that the child has the opportunity to jump on it. This exercise easily turns into a fun game.
"Handles-legs." Two adults are required for this exercise. Place the baby on the back, one person takes the child carefully by the lower leg, the other by the forearm. Roll the baby on the ball back and forth with smooth movements. This exercise helps strengthen the spine.
Catch the toy. Great exercise for children who have already learned to grab and hold different objects with their hands. Before the ball, you need to scatter your baby's favorite toys, place it on the fitball on the stomach. Holding the child by the hips, carefully roll the ball forward, so that the child has the opportunity to grab some toy.
These are the most common exercises for babies on a gym ball. Remember that such gymnastics is best treated as a game. Because the baby perceives all these activities just like that. Perform exercises in a good mood.