In this interactive foray into neuroscience and exercise science, we will design exercises based on how the nervous system moves, orchestrates, and adapts to motion. To make the most of this experience, we will learn about and apply 7 Principles of Neuromuscular Orchestration (click on the number 1 or go to the bottom of this page to see them)1. From how the nervous system moves and controls motion, to training your mind while you move, we strategically apply neuroscience to exercises.
- We will practice using these principles to create new exercises and to enhance the design of squats, crunches, pull-ups, dead lifts, range of motion enhancement strategies, and more.
- We will use wireless sEMG technology to observe how the nervous system recruits muscles for specific exercises and under various exercise conditions. We’ll be able to peer inside to see what is active, when it is active, and to what extent. We can use this insight to modify the exercise.
This class is designed to give you just enough information and tons of practice applying neuroscience to exercises. And, with our new neurocentric perspective, we can create hundreds of new ones! Join us and acquire knowledge and skills to create client-specific solutions and design exercises that feel better and produce faster, more satisfying, and lasting results.
If you have any questions regarding what this class is all about, please email me: jacques@myotopia.com.
Sound Interesting? Click here for scheduling and registration information.
1. When you are training your body, you are inevitably and inextricably training your mind.
The attitudes and behaviors that are projected and utilized while exercising have significance outside of exercise. The neural networks that are active are being exercised/practiced, and therefore reinforced, becoming wired and more efficiently accessed in the brain and favored by the mind.
2. The resolution of the nervous system is plastic.
The nervous system’s ability to distinguish and utilize the details of the condition, motion, and posture of the body varies according to use, need, and health.
3. The sensitivity of the nervous system is dynamic.
Specific mechanical and chemical changes in muscle and connective tissues (including joints) alter the sensitivity of the sensory endings in those tissues.
4. The mobility of the nervous system is key to motion and posture.
The brain stem, spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves lengthen and shorten (without stretching) to accommodate the motion of the musculoskeletal system and achieve specific postures.
5. In order to perform an exercise, the nervous system must determine which muscles and motor units are best suited for the task and then recruit them.
Forces applied to the body are guided by exercise equipment, the mass of the limbs and trunk (interacting with gravity and inertial affects), and muscle. The application of these forces to the body create postural and movement challenges that the nervous system must solve in order for the subject to perform an exercise.
6. The motor units and muscles recruited by the nervous system to perform a task must produce adequate energy to generate the required tension and power.
Muscle cells have multiple processes and sources (aerobic, anaerobic, glucose, creatine phosphate, etc.) for making fuel. Each process and source is favored by specific conditions within the tissues.
7. The nervous system coordinates the cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine responses required to support the activity of the neuromuscular system.
When designing an exercise, we must be mindful that the efficiencies and deficiencies of the cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine systems directly impact the function of the neuromuscular system.
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