For some people going upside down brings thoughts of red faces, dizziness, headaches etc. For myself and many others on the spectrum it can be a great source of relaxation and comfort.
This can also be used in many ways to benefit the aspie (and not only fulfilling their sensory needs). Benefits such as exercise and fitness.
I feel very blessed that in my area of work, I am not only able to fulfill my sensory needs but I am also able to exercise and gain fitness and strength at the same time.
Some of the activities I do:
- hanging from the trapeze bar or hammock and do repetitious sit ups and crunches. This not only helps with strength but can be a great way to stretch ones back.
- Pull ups- hanging under the trapeze bar and using my arms to pull my body up, this helps with strength.
- Leg lifts- laying on ones back (can be done while in bed or even while watching the TV) start with a small number and gradually increase as time goes on.
Activities like these aren’t the only things that you can do. Many people on the spectrum have trouble with motor skills so activities like the below can be used to help not only motor skills but also social skills.
- Juggling
- Passing rings from one person to another
- Hula hooping
- Poi
- Plate spinning
- Skipping
- Jumping through hoops
Fun and exercise never seem to look right in the same sentence you know. 🙂