"The more closely we consider the elaborate interplay of brain and body, the more clearly one compelling theme emerges; movement is essential to learning. Movement awakens and activates many of our mental capacities. Movement integrates and anchors new information and experience into our neural networks."
Excerpt from: Smart Moves - Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head Carla Hannaford, Ph.D. Neurophysiologist and educator.

At school, sitting on the stability ball:
 
  • assists in improving posture
  • allows for "active" sitting
  • enhances attention and concentration
  • promotes learning through movement
  • improves blood flow
  • improves balance and coordination
  • strengthens core (postural) muscles
  • adjusts for a customized fit
    Research
    		•

    ----------------------------------
    "I think they (the ball) are awesome. I have noticed improvement in Jara's (daughter) posture. She doesn't slouch when she has to sit in regular chairs. The benefits are great and kids are eager to sit on these balls."
    Melissa S. (parent) more testimonials
    --------------------------

    At school, where kids are asked to sit most of the day, why not give kids a comfortable seat that helps improve posture, while allowing kids the movement they need. Sitting on the stability ball provides ergonomic seating, as students are custom-sized to a ball and desks are adjusted to the proper height.

    Q:  Does sitting on the ball cause disturbances in the classroom?
    "If postural problems which are caused by prolonged, monotonous and static-passive sitting, are really taken seriously, then movement in class should not only be tolerated but actually be instigated at regular interval!" Balls Instead of Chairs in the Classroom, by Urs Illi, University of Basel, Switzerland.
    A:  Based on reports from teachers, research projects and our own personal classroom experience, disturbances are minimal. For highest success rates, teachers should instill a sense of pride and ownership in their students through following the WittFitt Curriculum, which takes students on a 4-6-week journey of learning and preparing for the ball to enter the classroom.


    Students Studying
    Students in the Library

    Pumping up the Ball
    Balls on Desks

    A variety of products are available in conjunction with the WittFitt™ program and are tailored to your school environment.

    Program Components
    Funding Ideas
    WittFitt Classrooms

     

     

     


     

    Product Support


     

    Contact Us

     

    Training Registration

     

    WittFitt Certified Teachers:

    WittFitt Connection

     



     

     
     
     

    Having a ball™ at school, home and work!!

    WittFitt
    P.O. Box 821
    Hudson, WI 54016
    515.720.4153
     Contact Us

     

     

     

     

    WittFitt is a consulting company who promotes the integration of the stability ball into the classroom environment to enhance learning, in combination with offering an ­­­­effective tool for the physical education setting.  The mission of WittFitt is to educate children and adults about the importance of proper posture, active sitting and the strengthening of muscles while fostering a wellness climate in each classroom.  Our comprehensive program leads schools/districts through the preparatory stages and effective implementation, with lifetime support/consultation.  Teachers are educated on how to safely and effectively implement the use of stability balls through our customized training designed to fit each unique classroom environment, meet student needs and link with district/state standards.  Teachers receive our WittFitt “Having a Ball” Manual [and/or PE Reference Guide] with lessons to prepare students to sit on the ball as a chair. 

    WittFitt promotes the use of the stability ball as a sitting device to enhance the learning environment and provide ergonomic seating.  Benefits of sitting on the ball: promotes learning through movement, allows 'active sitting,' enhances attention and concentration, assists in improving posture, improves blood flow to all parts of the body [especially the brain], strengthens core [postural] muscles and back muscles, improves balance and coordination, and adjusts for customized fit.  As a comprehensive program, we train teachers and provide all of the related materials for both teachers and students.  The program is customized to fit the needs of any classroom.  The WittFitt Teacher Guide is a teacher-ready guide to prepare students to sit on the stability ball and safely integrate balls into the classroom.  The guide also outlines movements and stretches on the ball as part of the daily routine.  The WittFitt Teacher Training is a half-day session outlining the components of the teacher guide, modeling lessons and practicing stability ball movement and stretches.  Training is provided on-site or via phone.  Our stability balls are burst-resistant, latex-free exercise balls with legs for added stability and easy storage.  A variety of balls are available to fit all ages and sizes.  WittFitt consultants maintain on-going contact with principals, teachers and other staff throughout the school year to provide support.