Engage the Brain

This should really be "Engage the Nervous System" (but “Brain” was much easier).

The focus at NMF is not just strength. Strength is vital for us to initiate movement however movement is a skill and should be trained with that in mind.
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Likewise in order to participate in this learning process it is vital that we are as “engaged” as possible with the tasks we are doing.

We’re Training the Brain at All Times

Two key focuses of NMF are Neuroplasticty and Motor-learning  

Neuroplasticty

The process by which the Central Nervous System changes whenever we learn and whenever we see improvement following Neurological damage. 
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Listen to the Professor who is far more eloquent at explaining than I am.

Motor-Learning

The learning of new movements or modification to an existing movement. To achieve this you must consider:

The Task

- What are you trying to do?
​- How difficult is the task?
- What movements are needed to complete the task?

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ThE Individual

- What limitations do you have?
- Are you strong enough?
- How do you move?
​- What is your attention / motivation like for the task?

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The Environment

- Is the environment similar to where the task will be performed?
- Is the environment quiet enough to maximize concentration?
- Does the environment help motivate?

NMF considers all these things when designing a training program that will enhance strength, conditioning and movement quality.

So how do we do this?

Optimal Intensities

NMF ensures that the intensity of work is graded appropriately to your needs always starting within your capability and progressing to an intensity that challenges your nervous system to change.
​There is no real consensus for this at present however we do know for a new skill to be learned there needs to be a lot of stimulus.

Optimal amount of activity

As with intensity, if the amount of work done is too little the brain will soon return to its old recognizable patterns of movement. Regular exercise and daily practice are required to promote movement change and a healthy lifestyle.

Increase sensation and joint awareness

Our awareness of how we are moving can be influenced by the amount of sensation that our brain receives from any given area. Watch the video to see how our brains can adapt based on the sensory information it receives.

If we have less sensory input to our brains then our own awareness of how our body is moving is diminished. Likewise if the brain doesn’t receive sensory input from a particular area for a long time it will prioritize the areas it is receiving information from. This can create huge imbalances in our sensory awareness.
A priority at NMF is to provide maximal sensory input in order to stimulate the nervous system. This is done by providing light compression through the joints, gravitational loading (working upright against gravity) providing sensory tasks before you “exercise” and even providing homework that aims to maximize sensory input to the nervous system.

Task variety and problem solving

Unless we want to create robotic movement, standard strength exercises should not be the only component of a training program. When provided with a task that requires you to problem solve you will develop an appropriate movement strategy to achieve this task. This will also engage you in the process of learning even more.

Be challenged at your level of ability

A person with cognitive problems may not understand the purpose of completing a certain exercise, however they may engage more with a task that is more in context with their day to day life, such as doing laundry or combing their hair. This motivates and moves the body in a purposeful way.

Exercise is just activity that has been formalized

NMF considers this at all times providing tasks that challenge each individual at their level of ability to maximize engagement.

Find out how we ENGAGE by clicking here.