What is Brain-Body Connection Through Movement?

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What is Brain-Body Connection Through Movement?

What do you think of when you read the words MIND BODY FITNESS?

Do you think of people sitting around in lotus position chanting?

Is it yoga?

Is it meditation?

Is it becoming more conscious?

Is it stress reduction?

Is it spiritual?

Is it massage, or other types of bodywork?

Is it passive or active? Is it cardio, strength, or flexibility?

Is it martial arts?

Is it tai chi?

What the heck is it?

It is all of the above, and more, and some of these in combination.

Here’s how it goes well beyond…

In short, a mind-body fitness program (or mind-body practices) help unify, strengthen and enhance the connection, communication and function of the brain-body network.

And, to be accurate; there is no separation of the brain and body. It’s all one.  It’s just that some people create a distinct separation.

We just don’t allow communication between the brain and body to be optimized unless we work on it.

So, why perform mind-body exercises? In general, all exercises will enhance brain function because of the usage and enhancement of the neural pathways, and increased oxygen and blood to the brain.

Something You Can Consider Now…

Not all exercise benefits the brain the same way.  Some exercises/sports require such fast and intense coordination, the brain improved from a function perspective, but not from a calming perspective. There simply may not be time for the brain to relax.

However, when things move fast with exercise, your brain’s ability to process information faster is enhanced.

Now Think About This

Become aware that you are aware.  What?

Pause and think about it…. Some mind-body exercises are done very slowly (tai chi, meditation, qigong, yoga, contemplative walks, etc) are done so slowly, you can become very aware of your every movement. You can also step back (in your mind) and become aware that you are being aware of your movement.  It’s like an observer’s perspective.

Why does this matter?

When you are aware then you are aware (of anything), it’s a higher level of thinking, consciousness, and cognition.  No, this is not “woo woo” — it’s science.

And… it’s awesome.

When you become aware that you are aware of your breathing, movement, heart rate, etc, you can understand it better and even control it more.  That’s a better brain-body connection.  This improves brain function and overall health.

SCIENCE!!!

There is much more to this, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts.

If you would like to learn more about this topic, the Spencer Institute offers you 2 different certification courses which are completed 100% online.

Mind Body Fitness Coach Certification >>> https://spencerinstitute.com/certification-programs/mind-body-fitness-coach-certification/

Brain Fitness Coach Certification >>> https://spencerinstitute.com/certification-programs/brain-fitness-coach-certification/

Thanks for reading,

The Team at NESTA and Spencer Institute

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