Brains and Balance training rule #1: Never move into pain

Your brain is plastic.  Your brain can change.  The way you move can change.  The amount of pain you live with every day can change.  Your balance can change.  The way you think can change.  The possibilities are endless however in order to reap the benefits of functional neuro-antomy, aka "brain training", there are a few rules you must follow.

Learning New Method of Getting UP from Floor

The number one rule when training for change at the brain level; never move into pain.  Pain is an output and is the brain's way of saying stop.  In order to teach your brain how to move better, you have to break bad movement habits. 

This means you have to move in ways you haven't moved.  In some cases, it might be the first time you've ever moved correctly and that may feel different.

Different is good; pain is bad.  When I train private clients and teach classes, I guide people through new movements.  The brain loves novelty; it pays attention.   It's fun to watch people move a part of the body for the first time; facial expressions, tense muscles, and absolute concentration fill the room.  This is good!  You can teach an old brain new tricks.

Learning how to move each joint of the body is essential for optimal movement. The better a joint can move in isolation, the better your TOTAL BODY MOVEMENT.  If you want to walk better, you want to be able to control all the joints and body parts in isolation so when called upon to work together, there aren't any surprises to the brain.

Because some body parts haven't moved in full range of motion in years, it can be awkward but it should never be painful!  All exercises can be modified to reduce pain.  The way to reduce pain and still be able to move is to:

1. Slow down the movement
2. Make the movement smaller

Joints, muscles and nerves were made to move!  We already know that if you don't use it, you lose it.  Start slow and get bigger.  Stay out of pain as you learn to control how your body moves, both in isolation and integrated movement.

The Fall Prevention Lady