Are you forgetting something when you exercise?
We all know how important cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility are, but we often overlook coordination exercises. Coordination exercise is also an important ingredient for our brain health. They engage our brains in a unique way, stimulating the signaling processes that allow our muscles and organs to work together. By practicing coordination, we’re not only improving our physical agility but also strengthening the neural pathways that underpin our cognitive functioning.
Benefits of Coordination Exercises
When we do coordination exercises, our brains are put to work in various ways. These activities require precise timing, speed, and accuracy while creating new pathways in our brain. This constant interaction between our brain and muscles helps to sharpen our decision-making skills, as we must constantly evaluate and adjust our movements to achieve the desired outcome. Coordination exercises involve activities that challenge our brain to communicate with our muscles and organs, improving cognitive functioning.
But the benefits of coordination exercises go beyond improving physical dexterity. These activities have also been shown to have a positive impact on our mood and social life. Many coordination exercises, are inherently fun and engaging and help us connect with others who share our interests. Dr. Daniel Amen even recommends ping pong (table tennis) as an excellent brain exercise due to its multitasking nature. Whether you’re playing fast-paced activities like tennis, swimming, or dancing, or slower activities like juggling or Tai Chi, coordination exercises offer a wide range of options to benefit your brain health.
Most importantly, coordination exercises have been linked to the prevention of dementia and other age-related cognitive declines. As we grow older, our balance, reflexes, and overall physical coordination tend to diminish, but by incorporating these types of exercises into our routine, we can help to slow down this natural deterioration and maintain our cognitive fitness well into our golden years.
The Variety of Coordination Exercises
When it comes to coordination exercises, the options are vast and varied. From fast-paced activities like jump roping, dancing, and tennis, to more leisurely pursuits like juggling, darts, and gardening, there’s something for everyone. Even slow-paced exercises like Tai Chi have been shown to improve attention, coordination, and cognitive function.
For those who prefer a more sedentary approach, there are plenty of coordination exercises that can be done while sitting down. Activities like sewing, knitting, crocheting, and painting by number all require a high level of hand-eye coordination, which can provide a valuable brain workout.
And let’s not forget about the simple, yet effective, finger exercises. The “finger-thumb switch” and the “peace sign pointer” may seem silly at first, but they’re surprisingly challenging and can help to sharpen our fine motor skills and cognitive agility.
Coordination Exercises at Any Level
One of the best things about coordination exercises is that they’re not a competition. No matter your age or current skill level, you can always improve with regular practice. It’s not about running circles around your peers or trying to be the fastest or most agile. It’s about taking the time to challenge your brain, have fun, and reap the long-term benefits of enhanced cognitive function.
So, I encourage you to explore coordination exercises and find the activities that speak to you. Whether it’s a fast-paced game of ping-pong or a quiet session of knitting, the key is to make it a regular part of your routine. Your brain will thank you for it, and you may just discover a new passion along the way.
Join Us for a Live Zoom Session
As a special treat, I’m inviting you to join me and my “Keep Your Brain Sharp” partners for a live Zoom session next Tuesday (May 28, 2024). This is your chance to learn more about coordination exercises, ask questions, and connect with others who share your passion for brain health. You can find the details for the Zoom session in my “Keep Your Brain Sharp” community group page, so be sure to check it out and join us!