Beyond the Joints: Why Your Brain Needs a Workout as Much as Your Knees
We’ve all been there: you’re trying a new movement pattern, and suddenly, your hands and feet feel like they belong to someone else. You’re aiming for "graceful athlete," but you’re giving "chaotic windmill."
In our recent mobility class at The LAB, we traded the yoga mats for tennis balls, and the result was a lot of laughter, a lot of dropped balls, and a whole lot of neuroplasticity.
While we spend a lot of time focusing on joint mobility in class—keeping the "creaks" out of our movement—there is another vital component to aging well: Coordination Training.
The "Software" and the "Hardware"
Think of your body like a computer. Your joints, muscles, and bones are the hardware. Mobility training keeps that hardware oiled and moving freely. But your brain and nervous system are the software.
If the software is buggy, it doesn’t matter how fast the hardware is. Coordination training is the "software update" that allows your brain to communicate effectively with your limbs.
Why Tennis Balls? (The Science of the Struggle)
When you try to juggle, bounce, or catch a ball in an unfamiliar pattern, your brain is forced to exit "autopilot." This struggle is where the magic happens.
Building New Neural Pathways: Every time you fail to catch that ball and try again, your brain is physically re-wiring itself. This is neuroplasticity in action.
Reaction Time & Fall Prevention: In the real world, we don't trip in slow motion. We need "fast-twitch" cognitive processing to catch our balance. Coordination drills sharpen the reflexes that keep us upright.
Cognitive Flexibility: Learning complex movements has been shown to improve memory and executive function. You aren't just training your arms; you’re training your mind to stay sharp and adaptable.
The "Click" Moment
There is a specific feeling—we call it the "Click"—when a movement that felt impossible thirty seconds ago suddenly becomes fluid. That is the moment your brain successfully maps a new path.
At The LAB, we believe that "maintenance" isn't just about stretching what’s tight. It’s about challenging the brain to stay curious and capable. Yes, you might look a little ridiculous chasing a tennis ball across the room, but that’s a small price to pay for a resilient brain and a fall-proof body.
The goal isn't to be a professional juggler; the goal is to be a professional at MOVING through life.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Practice:
Embrace the Mess: If you aren't dropping the ball, the drill is too easy.
Mix it Up: Once you get good at a movement, change it. Keep the brain guessing.
Laugh: Stress inhibits learning. Laughter opens the brain up to new patterns.
Now, grab a couple of tennis balls and give this 8 minute routine a try!
