Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Neurology 101: the better the input, the better the output

I vaguely remember learning about the brain in high school.  I recall lobes, dural matter, grey matter, action potentials, synapses; the basic science of it all.  Over thirty years later, I am fascinated by the nervous system and how the brain works.  In fact, the science of neuroplasticity gives old dogs like myself hope for a renewed future.
As a movement specialist and balance expert, I help people break poor movement patterns and re-learn how to move more efficiently with less pain.  I study under Dr. Eric Cobb, creator of Z-Health Performance; a brain-based approach to movement.   I love his teaching style and have learned amazing things about the brain and how the health of our brain is reflected in our postures and movement patterns.

Neuro101:
Input data from sensory systems travel to brain where the messages are interpreted and the brain sends an output.  Input.  Interpretation.  Output.  1, 2, 3.   Our nervous system works in a loop; the better the input, the better the output.   In order to prevent a fall, this process has to happen in less than one-quarter of a second.

Everything we do is an output of the brain; strength, balance, flexibility, pain.  Movement specialists train the outputs.  Experts train the inputs.   Dr. Debra Rose's FallProof™balance and mobility program introduced me to the three sensory inputs and my Master's studies focused on how to train the muscles and senses for better balance and mobility.   I"ve been teaching multi-sensory balance training for over ten years.  I've witnessed the fact "the better the input, the better the output".

My doctoral level studies in Z-Health Performance Solutions have taught me how to train the inputs in order to optimize performance, enhance balance and confidence while feeling less pain.  It's a scientific fact that once your "old" brain feels safe, you will move better, see better and feel better.  Simply said, the better the input, the better the output.

Why would a health professional train the outputs if the message going to the brain and the interpretation of the data is the source of the problem?  Because they don't know; this is cutting edge applied neuroscience.  New scientific research demonstrates the neuroplasticity of the brain and how precise training of the brain give you precise results.

Don't waste your money on outdated "Balance Manuals"; you can do the same exercises over and over but without training the inputs, the outputs will only improve as much as the brain allows.

Give your brain what it needs and get the results you want.
Kelly


Saturday, January 13, 2018

2018 Brains and Balance Z-Training has begun

Two things people don't want to lose as they get older; their brains and their balance.  Thanks to medical technology, we're living longer but many people would rather have quality years not quantity.  Also thanks to medical technology, we now know more about the brain and that with proper training, we can change neural structures to make movement more efficient and pain-free.

Today I started my second "Brains and Balance Z-Training" session at an independent living community; The Clubhouse at Del Webb.  Nineteen eager adults between the ages of 69 and 84 signed up for five weeks of intensive balance and brain training.  I'm as excited as they are because I love seeing the progress and hearing improvements.

This session is going to be better than the last session only because I've gotten better.  I listen to feedback and learn from it.  Not to overwhelm and to make homework drills as clear to follow as possible.  I listened.

Precise training gets precise results.  Training the inputs to the brain improves your motor output.  Change the way you move.  Train the inputs.  Movement is life.  Get moving.

Brains and Balance Z-training with Coach Kelly.
The Fall Prevention Lady