Neuroplasticity
There are a few different scenarios that bathe your brain in the chemicals required to form new connections; this state of optimum learning is called neuroplasticity and is the default environment in the brain for children and young people (anyone under 25). Lucky them; this is why kids learn so fast!! Once you are over 25 your brain only becomes plastic (able to change /learn) in very specific scenarios such as:
-When your vestibular system (balance) is challenged.
-When you are in a heightened state of focused awareness.
-When you are hungry and solving problems to find food.
This rail balancing practice certainly ticks the box for challenging my balance, I’m also highly focused on success so I can progress my practice and avoid injury. I have been working on this drill for a while and this is my first time hitting over 20 unbroken reps.
If you want to grow, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and learn skills in new scenarios. My dad once said to me that he knew “[his] brain was [his] biggest asset” and so this is was the focus of his self development. He is more of an academic than me, but as with all great truths this one travels well across perspectives. In the fitness industry at the moment the legacy of body-building / training for aesthetics means that many gym-goers are overly focused on body-composition and the size of their muscles. There is certainly a trend towards learning more complex movements such as Olympic lifting and kipping movements. But most folks just achieve a level of competency and then keep using the same exercises over and over to pump up their meat-suit.
What about showing the CNS (central nervous system) some love too, by regularly spending some of your training time learning new patterns!! Develop your 🧠 by stimulating a state of neuroplasticity. A strong body is only as capable as the central nervous system that moves it! If you’re keen to learn some new patterns join Coach Rob on Monday nights at 18 - 20:00 for our weekly Movement Class.
Movement Class:
Where: Chelmsford, Essex.
What: Spinal Waves, Floor Based Flows, Coordination, Rhythm, Tactical Games.
When: Usually Monday’s 18:00 til 20:00 - First Session Free - See Schedule and Register Here.
References:
Using Failures, Movement & Balance to Learn Faster | Huberman Lab Podcast #7
