Consider creating external targets to improve client performance
Ready!? Basic Neurology 101 - the nervous system does 3 things!
- Receives information.
- Interprets and decides what to do about it.
- Creates a motor output based on it.
The different sensory systems that our brain uses to interpret the world act like satellites that relay information back to the brain to be interpreted and acted on! The sensory triad (with a few examples):
- Exteroceptive (vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch)
- Interoceptive (balance of autonomics, heart rate, blood pressure)
- Proprioceptive (spacial awareness from muscles, tissues, joints)
Generally speaking people move better when they have an external target. Why? Because most movement is a reaction to external stimuli. When you consider this it becomes clear that coaching someone to “feel” their core or “activate” their glutes really isn’t natural. And, if a person needs to do those things to prepare for basic movement, they are comprised.
Once a persons’ attention goes inward you often lose quality of the output. Internal cues also create internal tension and a build up of tension is the enemy of movement competency. A tug of war between the sensory systems!
Now don’t freakout! Internal cues can be very useful for beginners. In my opinion, as a persons’ skill progresses you should progress them out of internal cues and begin using external cues. Skill level will soar!
How can you start today? Get creative and react to things! Visual stimulus, sound, music, touch. Use props, balls, jump rope and partners to name a few!
The last time someone said to you “give me 10 reps” your brain said “why!??” If you don’t give the brain a target, how can it aim!?
About the Author:
Taylor Kruse, recently featured in Men's Health, is dedicated to empowering you with the truth and tools for improved health and performance.
His inspiration stems from more than 10 years of education and coaching through systems like Zhealth Performance, The Burdenko Method, and various movement practices.
In 2013, he co-founded The Movement Project with girlfriend, Alisha Hale. Both are dedicated to inspiring people, coaches, and trainers into their best health and performance.
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