Suggestions on Toys:
Considerations:
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Softness of toys on hands
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Ease of cleaning
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Storing and carrying
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Juggling toys tend to be unbreakable, so think of them as a good investment
Thrift stores can net some things in the sports equipment sections. As well as pet toys. Stationary bicycles can be a good home toy (choose a quiet one!)
Things that you can juggle with, that you may have already:
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ping pong paddles and ball
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tennis balls - tho, they can bounce away
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knotted fabric, balls of yarn, or socks
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hula hoop
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bats or sticks for balancing moves
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scarves
Juggling Ball Set: My favorite balls are made by Cheryl Sayers at her Sport Juggling Company at www.sportjugglingco.com I like the 2.5 inch size balls.
Small Squishy Ball
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Helpful for laying on, for the pressure, and for awareness.
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To have it soft is important. Soft, so that when you lie on it, your body can fully relax and open.
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Deflating the balls slightly makes them softer.
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They are also easier to use for tactile contact juggling.
Sandbags
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The ones that have a finer grain sand, and floppy leather, are easier to play with.
Bouncy Balls
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Grocery Stores or Hardware stores (in the kids or pets section) can have good balls.
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Also good for playing with at home - toss or kick the ball into the wall or a corner, and play with the rebound.
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Fun for agility and reflexes.
Weighted Heavy Balls
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These are a great alternative for grip weights.
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They promote rounded movements.
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They can be sat on, and laid on for support and for massaging areas.
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They can also be rolled onto your body.
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The heavier balls can help open constricted areas.
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Note the ball's hard dimpled surface as this helps for holding and traction.
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Consider that some balls can outgas noxious smells, and may need to be returned. I have had good luck the the ones in the picture.
Stability Ball
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Large ones you can sit on. Usually 55-65 cm fits a woman's frame.
Slinky Springs
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Slinky juggling took hold in China originally.
Weights
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Use small weights, 2 lb, 3lb. It's not fully necessary to use larger weights.
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Don't strain.
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You can also use both hands on one weight, holding the ends.
Ropes and Straps
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Another way to anchor and pull from.
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Climbing ropes and slings come in many sizes.
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Seatbelt material can be found at hardware stores.
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Dog leashes work great too.
Stretchy Straps
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Many types have a section that can wedge into the door-jam when you close the door. This gives them a stable anchor, and then you can pull against the stretchy part. (the door-jam attachment is not shown here)
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Enjoy the dynamic resistance you can work with.
Buy a New Toy - It's Good!
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This almost always helps you feel better.
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There are a lot of good choices.
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Choose your toys in small enough quantities that you can pick wisely.
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Your juggling toys are built to last a long time, so you really are picking treasures.
Hoops
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Light hula-hoops are good for moving. The ones with a ball bearing inside can help give an anchor for the momentum of the hoop. Heavier ones work better for holding, carrying and spinning.
Foam Roller
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I recommend the roller for laying on, or sitting on.
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To be used softly (rather than the intense pressure rolling).
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They are also great for balance and stability training.
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Get one that is long enough so you can lay on it lengthwise from your sacrum to your skull. (36" long for me at medium size)
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And 6" in diameter.
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Also, I much prefer the softer ones.
Yoga Mats
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Provide a grippy surface that you are less likely to slide on. And they provide some cushion.
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Athletic trainers can also offer some extra thick mats that are comfortable.
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Use a thicker mat on harder surfaces.
Chin-Up Bar
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The easiest are the one that just hook over the door-jam. No installation required.
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Use the bar as an overhead handle to reach for, and stretch the upper chest and shoulders.
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The hanging strap is a rope step ladder (climbing "aiders") that can be stepped into, lightening the load on the arms.
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I wrapped bicycle handlebar tape around these shown here, to make the grip more tactile friendly.
Massage Table
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Having one of these in your space is wonderful. This one is up against the wall so you can save space.
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The table gives you a place to lie-down, sit, and play that is not on the floor.
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Used tables are not hard to find. Get one that has good stability but not too heavy.
Baoding Balls
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These are balls that originated in the city of Baoding, China during the Ming Dynasty.
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They are used as a meditation aid, as well as for improving general health and hand health.
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The well-made ones have smooth surfaces (sometimes steel with impurities can be rougher or pitted), and more resonant chimes.
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They can also be made from various materials (stone, wood, acrylic).
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My preference is the larger ones (40-50mm). But the smaller ones are nice too, and you can rotate several in your hands at once. It's good to have variety, as you wish.