The Benefits of A Sensory Gym

What comes to mind when you think of the word "gym"? Most of us think of the gym as a place to improve our physical fitness and health by lifting weights and running in place on treadmills. But sensory gyms are much different. The minute you walk into a sensory gym, you know that it’s no run-of-the-mill fitness center.

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When you enter, you’ll notice are the bright colors and fun images across the walls and in the equipment, fun kid-friendly exploration stations that promote creativity and places to move their bodies. From the trampoline, to the swing, to the ball pit, the learning toys it’s a child’s paradise!

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But, in fact, the sensory gym is an environment that promotes all children to develop their sensory, communication and motor skills. (AND for those kiddos that need a little extra love and support to do those things, the gym is naturally motivating that can promote a fun, exciting way to learn how to develop those skills). These gyms also improve self-esteem and social skills. 

If the gym is used during therapy sessions, our therapists will help guide your kiddo through activities involving swings, trampolines, therapy balls, brightly colored pillows, ball pits, tunnels, climbing walls, and many more tools to help your child become more confident with balance, proprioception (body awareness), motor planning and coordination, sensory processing and regulation, cause and effect, social and language skills.  

Sensory gyms also give children with sensory processing or autism access to the tools they need for sensory regulation in a non-threatening environment. Gyms foster independence, reduce meltdowns, and limit social stress by making kids feel calmer and more focused. In addition to providing health and fitness benefits, sensory gyms also increase a child’s social skills and self-esteem

Therapy can never be replaced with a sensory gym, but it is a great way to practice the skills your child can learn in therapy.

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