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Fitball for babies. How to choose. Exercises for children from birth, at 1-1.5 months, 3-4 months, 5-6 months, after 6 months. Lots of video instructions.
It is no secret that the physical development of a child under one year old is one of the main indicators of his health. There are many ways to help your little one learn new skills. This article will focus on training on fitball - a special gymnastic ball, which is useful not only for performing exercises with a child, but also for maintaining good physical shape for all family members.
To begin with, a few words on how to choose the right equipment for training. The assortment of stores contains many types of gymnastic balls: smooth and with a massage surface, with or without horns. In addition, fitballs come in a variety of diameters.
The most versatile, suitable not only for gymnastics with a baby, but also for practicing adult family members, is a smooth ball with a diameter of 55-75 cm. For a 55 cm fitball, there is no difficulty in finding a place even in a small apartment. If you yourself are planning classes, take 65-75 cm. 
Exercising on a gymnastic ball remarkably develops gross motor skills, has a beneficial effect on the development of a baby's sense of balance, and helps to relieve hypertonicity. In addition, soft rocking on the fitball will help the baby with pain in the tummy, which so often bother children in the first months of life.
Rocking on the ball develops the vestibular apparatus (one of the most important components of classes with a child in the first year of life).
The baby can do "passive" swimming, as he used to do in his mother's tummy. Thus, the baby receives the necessary vestibular, visual and kinesthetic impulses.
Vibration is a kind of physiotherapy that has an analgesic effect, it also stimulates the correct functioning of the vital organs of the baby.
The best age for starting classes with a baby is 1-1.5 months. At this point, the child begins to lift the head from the prone position. Exercise will help him strengthen his back and neck muscles, as well as develop a sense of balance.
Gymnastics is best done in the morning, when the baby is alert and active. Make sure that there is at least 1 hour after eating. Do not forget to take care of fresh air during classes - ventilate the room in advance where you will perform exercises with a crumbs.
A set of exercises for printing.
The first lesson of the baby on the fitball should not be delayed longer than 5 minutes - the child must get used to it, get used to the new load. Lay a clean diaper on the fitball, gently lay the baby down on top of it. Place your right hand on the back of your baby and gently press it against the ball. With your left hand, hold your left leg in the area of the knee joint, while pressing your hand to the ball. Hold it gently but confidently. Make sure that the baby's head is turned to the side so that nothing interferes with his breathing.
Gently rock the baby back and forth, right and left. Do not make a large swing amplitude, it can scare the baby. Pressing lightly, spring with the baby on the fitball. This simple exercise will help the little tummy get rid of accumulated gas and relieve the baby from colic.
For the first time, these two exercises will suffice. Remember that gymnastics on fitball should bring only positive emotions to the baby and mother. At the first signs of dissatisfaction with the crumbs, it is worth stopping the exercise.
Over time, you will begin to notice that the child lifts his head more confidently and tries to stand on his forearms. It's time to complicate the exercises. Increase the swinging amplitude back and forth and left and right, while slightly changing the direction of the ball movement. To maintain balance, the child will need to apply new strength. This exercise develops the muscles of the back and arms well. Try to remove your hand from the back and tummy. At the same time, hold the baby with both hands by the legs in the area of the knee joints. Learn to feel confident with this support, rocking the baby, rotating and vibrating.
When your baby is 5 months old, you can try another exercise - swinging on your back. Place the child gently on the back of the fitball; make sure that your head does not tilt back. Rock it back and forth lightly. When you move forward, your baby will try to raise his head. When performing this exercise, the muscles of the press, the anterior abdominal wall, the muscles of the neck and back are strengthened. 
Be very careful! Not all children love this exercise. If the baby is crying and naughty, do not force him, continue the lesson on another day.
At the age of 5-6 months, the babies are already well developed physically, they actively roll over from their abdomen to their backs, some babies try to sit down and crawl. A good exercise during this period will be swinging on a fitball lying on your stomach with a large amplitude. Hold the crumb by the hips, the muscles of the back and shoulder girdle will work most actively in this case. Put bright toys in front of the ball - cubes, rattles, ribbons, so that while moving forward, the child reaches for them and tries to grab them. If the kid succeeds in taking the toy in the pen, always praise him loudly and joyfully! When moving back, try to reach the floor with your baby's legs. However, do not put the child on the floor; a light touch of the toes will be enough.
Do all of the above exercises as long as it pleases you and your child! Many children over six months are already so active and independent that it is not so easy to keep them on a fitball. Don't insist on doing the exercises if your toddler is struggling. Give him freedom of movement in the house, having previously secured the space.
Regularity is important in any business, and especially when it comes to exercising. Work with your child every day, devoting 15-20 minutes to this simple ritual, and very soon the results of gymnastics will make themselves felt! Good mood and excellent physical health of your baby will be the best reward for you! 
Gone are the days when it was believed that a baby should lie motionless in a diaper for most of the day.
Modern experts believe that in order for a baby to develop correctly, he needs not only freedom of movement, but also physical activity.
In addition to the usual program, exercises on a fitball can be very useful - a special ball that can be seen in every fitness room.
What are the benefits of such exercises, and how to do them?
If a baby appears in the house, then the fitball will be useful both for health and for entertainment. Older children love to jump on it, but with newborns, you can successfully perform gymnastics. Moreover, such exercises are useful not only for those children who have neurological problems. Such exercise is useful for completely healthy children. It provides benefits in various ways:
Reference! Swinging on the ball has a calming and relaxing effect on the baby, which helps to normalize sleep.
Exercises aimed at stimulating activity and development will be very useful, but only if they are correctly performed and selected. Fitness ball exercises for babies in the absence of contraindications are useful to everyone. Their importance is especially great in the presence of such indications:
In general, classes are useful for everyone, but you need to take into account the existing contraindications:
Fitball can have a diameter of 45 to 75 cm.
But if the product will be used only for a baby, then it is better to choose a slightly smaller size.
Fitballs that have special handles or horns that allow you to hold the product are convenient for children.
It is very important that the projectile is smooth. Products with a relief surface are suitable for children who are at least 3-4 months old. Together with the fitball, you also need to buy a pump, but usually it is included in the kit.
A fitball for a child must be of high quality and safe, therefore it is recommended to buy it exclusively in specialized sports stores... When buying, you should try to pinch the product. If the material is of high quality, then it will immediately return to its original state. If small folds appear, this indicates that the quality of the product leaves much to be desired.
It is important that there are no visible seams on the ball that you can feel. The material should not smell like rubber and synthetics. It is worth buying a ball that has the ABS disguise indicated. It is the safest piece of equipment and additionally has an anti-explosion function.
For exercise to be effective and safe, you need to adhere to the following guidelines:
Important! Before starting classes, it is important to consult a pediatrician and make sure that the baby has no contraindications. Also, a specialist will help you choose the set of exercises that is most suitable for a particular baby.
As already mentioned, the training program will depend on the age of the baby. Therefore, it is worth considering examples of exercises with this criterion in mind.
The main task of gymnastics at this age is to improve the baby's digestion and prevent colic. For this, the following exercises can be used:
Babies at this age usually know how to keep their heads, therefore, the complex can be made more difficult by adding exercises that are aimed at strengthening the muscle corset.
A child older than three months is already quite good, controls the handles and navigates in the surrounding space. Fitball for him is a big toy that he will try to push and taste. During this period, you can use these exercises.
Children at this age are trying, and after and. At this time, muscles and bones need active training, which helps to ensure their high-quality strengthening. Fitball will help accelerate physical development and provide coordination training.
At this age, children are already more independent, and exercises can be complicated.
There are many other exercises. In any case, it is better to choose the complex together with a doctor. It should be borne in mind that classes should be fun for the baby, so you can accompany them with funny songs or nursery rhymes.
Over the past few years, there has been an increased interest in sports in Russia. In the wake of the Winter and Summer Olympics, millions of people spend their free time in gyms, on treadmills, gymnastics equipment, bicycles or swimming pools. Fitball gymnastics in kindergarten is gaining immense popularity - exercise complexes have already become part of educational programs in almost every city preschool educational institution. fitball is gaining popularity in schools and universities. And what? Children need physical development many times more than adults. We introduce modern sports into children's minds!
Fitball is a large ball with good elasticity, made of elastic ice plastic with a diameter of 55 to 75 cm. It is used primarily for general recovery and strengthening of the body, stimulation of the vestibular apparatus and correction of posture.
Doctors unanimously say that they agree with the opinion of sports experts - training on fitball has a beneficial effect on a growing child's body and is practically analogous to horse riding. During execution, the child receives a load on all groups of organs and muscles: muscle cortex, chest, arms, legs, stomach, intestines, etc. In addition to all of the above, a set of fitball exercises contributes to the development of balance, balance, helps to improve self-control, and increases the child's concentration.
The first introductory lesson with a group of children in kindergarten is always a mutual presentation. The teacher gets the opportunity to carefully study the capabilities of each kid, his physical condition, interest in the teacher's personality and equipment in general.
Correctly selected music for fitball gymnastics, a set of exercises and a changing rhythm, along with a large number of game moments, will turn the sports club of the kindergarten into a real school for the development of the child's social skills. She will help improve the quality of his health and rehearse future victories. Who knows, suddenly an Olympic champion is growing up among your charges, for whom every training is a step into a great future?
When working with preschool children in kindergarten, the following types of balls are usually used:
 | Fitball with handles (horns). This is the most suitable option for classes with preschoolers, since they allow you to perform all types of gymnastic exercises and outdoor games with a ball. |
 | The fitball is round. It is intended for the study of outdoor games, with the exception of jumping elements. |
 | Oval fitball. It is analogous to a round fitball, but with the exception that the oval shape gives more stability to the ball and allows children with a lack of coordination and balance function to train. |
 | Fitball in the form of animals. This type is the safest and most stable form of the ball. Recommended for young children. |
The first lessons of the gymnastics complex for kindergarten children should be devoted to the simplest elements, followed by gradual complication and prolongation to strengthen all muscle groups. Particular attention should be paid to the muscles of the back - the correct development of the joints of the spine and the absence of pinched nerves will allow impulses to pass freely throughout the body. And so on to the exercises.
| Exercise name | Exercise Description | Number of approaches |
|---|---|---|
| "Meeting with the ball" | Lying on your back, hold the fitball behind your head with both hands. This is followed by the simultaneous lifting of the ball in the hands and straight legs to the body. We touch the ball with our toes. | 3 sets of 3-5 reps |
| "Spring" | Sitting on the ball, we firmly hold onto the handles or the ball itself. After that, we imitate a ride on a horse, rhythmic vibrations, bouncing. | 3 sets of 20-40 reps |
| "Spring 2" | Move with side steps around the ball while sitting on top. | 2-3 sets of 3-5 reps |
| "We catch the Kolobok" | A stand with a fitball on outstretched arms. Next, we throw the ball up and catch it. | 5-10 times |
| "Basketball" | We hold the ball in our hands, hit the ball on the floor and catch it back. | 5-10 times |
| "Whale's tail" | Children take an emphasis lying down, a handstand is done, feet on the ball. It is necessary to bend and unbend the arms at the elbow joints. | 3-5 times |
| "Recreation" | Kneeling stand, wrap your hands around the ball and rest your head on it. The ribcage is touching the ball. Swing back and forth with the ball. | 5-10 times |
To make it even more fun for children to play with the ball, turn on rhythmic pleasant music for them. Ideally, these can be special collections for children's fitness or everyone's favorite cartoon soundtracks. This approach will create a positive class atmosphere, and kids will be able to enjoy gymnastics or aerobics. Another way to create the atmosphere of an interactive lesson is video with the participation of children. A child, seeing a peer on the screen, will better perceive the task set before him, and the coach will receive a response from the children.
In conclusion, we can say that there is no need to do gymnastics from 20 exercises at a time. Change the program as often as possible, break it into blocks depending on the well-being of the children and their preferences. Gradually include more complex elements and break up classes to develop certain abilities. Increased efficiency was noted for those training programs in which children interact with each other, perform active actions with the ball and learn to solve important issues of social adaptation through the example of the game.
In no case should negligence be allowed in relation to children during the elements for balance and jumping on the fitball. All measures should be taken to prevent injury. The final stage of training can be demonstration performances for parents. This will contribute to the importance of adults' understanding of the need for sports for children, the continuation of classes at home, and most importantly - the joy and pleasure of their child, carelessly jumping on a gymnastic ball and splashing out endless energy outside the hearth.
According to the Regional Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, the indicator of the revealed pathology of the musculoskeletal system, the musculoskeletal system in children of the Tyumen region is: 2012 - 82%, 2013 - 78%, 2014 - 81.7%.
The reasons may be congenital deformities of the spine, unbalanced nutrition, weakness of the muscular system, decreased physical activity.
In order for the muscles to properly support our body, they must be well developed. The child must necessarily lead an active lifestyle, play sports. In order to correct the posture in children, the methods of physiotherapy exercises, massage, physiotherapy are used.
Fitball gymnastics has a positive effect on the development of motor skills and abilities in children, makes passive muscles work, makes it possible to engage deep muscle groups in the exercise, without exerting excessive axial load on the spine.
Ball exercises strengthen the muscles of the back and abdominal muscles, create a good muscle corset, contribute to the formation of correct breathing, motor functions, but most importantly, they form the skill of correct posture, which is difficult and long-term developed under normal conditions.
Correct fit on a fitball presupposes an optimal position of the body, ensuring that the posture is maintained, so even if the child just sits on the ball, this will already contribute to the formation of the skill of correct posture.
It is better to conduct classes with musical accompaniment, which creates a positive psycho-emotional mood in children.
In the course of classes, a physical therapy instructor must:
· To acquaint children with various types of fitballs;
· Teach to properly sit, swing and bounce on the fitball;
· Teach to perform exercises in various starting positions: sitting on it, lying on the floor, lying with your back on the ball or on your stomach, etc.;
· To form and consolidate the skill of correct posture;
· Train the ability to maintain balance, develop fine motor skills.
It is good if the child's parents are present in the classroom in order to continue classes and consolidate the achieved result at home.
Before starting classes, you must:
· Individually select fitball for each child. The diameter of the ball for children 3-5 years old should be 45 cm, for children from 5 to 6 years old - 50 cm, from 6 to 7 years old - 55 cm;
· Clothes should be comfortable, non-slip shoes;
· Start classes by moving from simple exercises to complex ones;
· It is unacceptable that exercises cause pain or discomfort;
· Fast and abrupt movements should be avoided;
· Physical activity should be age-appropriate - it is enough to conduct classes 2-3 times a week, lasting from 15-20 minutes for children of primary school age and up to 45 minutes for older children;
· It is necessary to follow the technique of performing the exercises;
· Take into account the individual characteristics of the child.
The initial stage of gymnastics fitball for children:
Recommended exercises:
· Various rolling of the fitball on the floor, on the bench, between the landmarks "snake", around the landmarks;
· Beating the fitball with two hands on the spot, in combination with various types of walking;
· Transfer of fitball to each other, throws of fitball;
Learning the correct fit on the fitball.
Recommended exercises:
· Sitting on a fitball near a solid support, check the correct placement of the feet (the feet should be pressed to the floor and parallel to each other);
Sitting on a fitball, at a slow pace, perform exercises for the shoulder girdle, for example: turning the head to the right and left, alternately raising the arms forward and upward and to the side, raising and lowering the shoulders, sliding with hands on the surface of the fitball, bending the arms to the shoulders, clenching the wrists into fists, arms to the sides;
Teaching basic positions when doing exercises.
Recommended exercises:
1. Starting position - sitting in a semi-squat on toes facing the fitball, straight arms on the fitball, knees to the sides, back straight. We carry out from a standing position facing the ball: at the expense of 1-2 we sat down, 3-4 stood up, arms to the sides.
2. Starting position - an emphasis, kneeling facing the fitball, hands on the fitball; sit on your heels, press the fitball to your knees; return to starting position.
3. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, straight legs on the fitball, support on the heels. Swing the fitball with your legs to the right and left, arms along the body.
4. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, legs straight on the fitball. Raise the pelvis off the floor.
5. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, feet on a fitball. Take small steps back and forth on the surface of the fitball.
6. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, wrap your legs around the fitball. Bend your knees and squeeze the fitball. The same in a sitting position.
7. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, legs bent at the knees lie on the fitball, hands behind the head. Raise your upper body to your knees.
8. Starting position - lying on your back, on the floor, straight legs together, arms extended behind your head, fitball in your hands. Pass the fitball from hand to foot and vice versa.
You can perform the exercises in pairs, sitting in a mirror. Children exercising with fitballs should be at a distance of 1-1.5 m from each other.
Learning to maintain correct posture while doing exercises.
Recommended exercises:
1. To swing independently on the fitball: the heels press on the floor, the back is straight, the fitball passes through the back of the head and the spine as if it were a “rod” that aligns the body of the back.
2. Perform arm movements at an average pace: to the sides, up, forward, down; perform circular rotation in the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints with straight arms. Such movements should cause spontaneous swinging on the fitball. Care must be taken to maintain constant contact with the surface of the fitball.
3. Sitting on a fitball, perform the following exercises: walking in place, without lifting your socks, walking, lifting your knees high, side step.
Training in maintaining balance with different positions on the fitball.
Recommended exercises:
1. Lean forward, legs apart.
2. Lean forward to the extended leg, forward with different hand positions.
3. Bend to the sides alternately, sitting on the fitball: feet are on the floor, hands on the belt, hands behind the head, arms to the sides;
4. Maintain the correct posture and maintain balance in different positions: arms to the sides, one leg forward, raise your arms up, bend at the elbows, perform circular movements with your hands.
5. Starting position - lying on the fitball, hands resting on the floor. Take a few steps with your hands back and forth. The back of the head, neck, back should be in a straight line.
6. Starting position - lying on your stomach on a fitball, legs bent in the “starting” position on the floor. Bend your arms at the elbows, palms forward ("wings"). Do not raise your head.
7. Starting position - lying on your stomach on a fitball, hands on the floor, raise your legs alternately, bending your knees.
8. Starting position - lying on your back on the floor, arms along the body, feet resting on the fitball with their feet. Alternate bent leg swings.
Exercises and exercises on fitball should bring pleasure to your child. The need for movement is one of the main physiological characteristics of the child's body. Fitball - gymnastics will help your child to develop correctly.
Previously, before you independently engage in fitball gymnastics with your child, consult a physical therapy doctor who will conduct a comprehensive examination of your child and, in the event of a detected pathology of the musculoskeletal system, the musculoskeletal system, will develop a set of exercises that will help to cope with the first signs of impairment posture, and an instructor in physiotherapy exercises in the process of training will teach you how to properly perform these exercises.
The importance of gymnastics for newborn babies cannot be underestimated. The easiest way to properly and effectively deal with a baby is exercise on a fitball. Even an inexperienced mom can handle this kind of gymnastics. What is the use of fitball for babies? What are the different gymnastic balls and how to choose the right one?
Any kind of physical exercise is very important for a newborn baby. They give him the opportunity to feel his body, to adapt to a new environment.
The most common problem in babies is hypertension. This is a normal phenomenon, since before birth the child was in a “twisted” state for a long time, his arms and legs were bent and pressed tightly to the body. This condition creates discomfort for the child, and is sometimes accompanied by painful sensations. Over time, hypertonicity will disappear on its own, but gymnastics and massage help to eliminate it much faster.
Exercise has a very beneficial effect on the mental development of the child. The fact is that children under one year old develop harmoniously, that is, their physical and mental development are inseparable from each other, they help one another. The sooner you start working with the baby, the more effective and high-quality will be his brain development, the establishment of neural connections.
Fitball for newborns is very useful. In such gymnastics there are many advantages over other types of physical development.
Today, you can find all kinds of gymnastic balls in stores. Not all are suitable for nursing babies, so choose wisely and with knowledge of the topic.
The diameter of such balls varies from 45 to 85 cm. Such a ball is universal and is well suited for exercises with babies. In addition, adults will also be able to practice with it. For gymnastics with babies, a ball with a diameter of 60 cm with a smooth, but not slippery surface is suitable. It is better to immediately buy a large-diameter product so that you can later use it for physical education with an older child.
The most common type of gymnastic ball that many are familiar with
Such jumping balls are distinguished by a relatively small diameter, since they are designed for owners of short stature. Adults are not allowed to use this equipment. The ball is designed for a user's weight up to 50-60 kg. For babies, you can choose this kind of ball, you can perform all the exercises on it in the same way as on a classic fitball. But care must be taken that the surface is not too slippery.
If the ball is purchased for older children, then you need to pay attention to the fact that the handles are non-slip, firmly attached to the product and have a grooved shape - this will ensure the child's safety when playing.
This type of ball is only suitable for children. The handle or horns help to hold it while playing, so that it is more comfortable to jump on it and not slide to the floor
Such a ball is rather useful for adults, as it allows you to combine physical exercise with light massage. For babies, buying this option is not worth it. Bumps on the surface of the product can cause discomfort to the baby. If such equipment is already present at home, then you can try to use it for gymnastics with a child, but only after he is six months old. At the slightest dissatisfaction with the baby, you should immediately stop the lesson.
This type of gymnastic ball is characterized by the presence of "pimples" over the entire surface
Oval fitballs have appeared relatively recently, but have already become popular among users. This gymnastic equipment provides good stability when performing exercises, thereby significantly expanding the possibilities. Oval fitballs vary in shape, size and texture. They come in "peanut" or elliptical shapes. The surface can be smooth or "bumpy". Ball sizes also vary.
The newest type of gymnastic ball that is gaining popularity
This type of fitball can be successfully used for babies. Gymnastics on such balls for babies is used in rehabilitation centers, children's hospitals, exercise therapy rooms. For inexperienced mothers, such equipment will give confidence due to its stability.
The stores can offer a huge variety of similar products. In order not to get confused, you need to remember a few important points.
The main selection criteria are as follows:
It is better to purchase sports equipment in trusted stores, where they can provide comprehensive information about the product and will offer you to familiarize yourself with quality certificates that will confirm the safety of the ball and the ability to use it for training with babies.
It is better to buy a fitball even before the baby is born. It will serve well during pregnancy by relieving tension from the back muscles and improving blood circulation in the pelvic organs. And after the birth of the baby, he will be an indispensable assistant when doing gymnastics with a crumb. How to prepare for the exercises and what is the correct gymnastics technique is described in detail.
