How We Created the Ultimate Sensory Gym for Our Clinic
What if you could design the perfect sensory gym for your space - one that's fun, functional, and tailored to your space?
Would it include ninja rings for climbing challenges, a variety of swings to meet different sensory needs, or tunnels and stepping stones for obstacle course fun?
That’s exactly what we set out to create in our new sensory gym, and we’re thrilled to share the journey with you!
The Foundation of Our Gym
So here’s the backstory: we recently moved into a new suite in our building, which meant our sensory gym had to downsize. Since we only use the gym for 1:1 sessions, we figured, “Hey, equal-sized therapy rooms and a smaller gym? We can make that work.”
But let’s be real—downsizing a gym space is no joke. With a much smaller room than before, we knew we had to get creative to make the most of every inch.
That’s where Summit Sensory Gym came in. These guys are absolute geniuses at designing custom gym structures that fit like a glove—even in small spaces. With their help, we were able to:
- Install swing hooks for all kinds of swings (disc, platform, lycra) without needing bulky wooden beams.
- Add a cargo net for climbing, coordination, and some serious upper-body strength.
- Include ninja rings for all the climbing, hanging, and dynamic movement kids love.
Their structures are durable, versatile, and perfectly tailored to our space—making them the backbone of our sensory gym.
The MVPs of Sensory Equipment
What’s a sensory gym without the right tools? Here are our top picks for creating a space that’s as fun as it is functional:
- Swings: Disc swings, platform swings, and lycra swings deliver all the movement and vestibular input kiddos need.
- Cargo Nets and Ninja Rings: These are perfect for building strength, motor planning, and coordination (plus, they’re just plain fun).
- Stepping Stones, Cones, and Rings: Great for obstacle courses that challenge balance and motor skills.
- Tunnels: Because who doesn’t love crawling through tunnels? Bonus: they’re amazing for proprioceptive input.
- Slides and Mirrors: These are on our dream list for future upgrades—they’re game-changers for sensory exploration.
A sensory gym isn’t just a fun place to play—it’s a space where kids can regulate, explore, and build essential motor and sensory skills. Every piece of equipment serves a purpose, whether it’s strengthening coordination, supporting self-regulation, or just creating a safe space to be.
Watch the Magic Unfold
So do want to see our Extreme Makeover - Sensory Gym Edition??
This episode of our live show Making the Shift is your all-access pass to the transformation.
>> Click here to catch Ep. 90, Extreme Makeover: Sensory Gym Edition
Ready to Build Your Dream Gym?
We’ve got you covered. Head over to my Amazon Storefront for a curated list of every item we used—from swings to stepping stones and more.
Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your space, these tools will help you create a sensory wonderland where kids can thrive, explore, and grow.
And if you’re looking for something custom-built, we can’t recommend Summit Sensory Gym enough. They’ll design a gym that’s perfect for your space, complete with 3D renderings to help you visualize the magic before it’s even built. Their expertise made all the difference for us, and we’re confident they can do the same for you!
Designing a sensory gym isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about creating a space where kids feel empowered to be themselves. We’re so excited to share our journey with you and can’t wait to hear about the amazing spaces you create!
