Balance. Find it. Live it as best you can.

Ah yes, the elusive neuromotor exercise. So elusive autocorrect is warning me that the word “neuromotor” is spelled incorrectly or does not exist which is fair because not much information is currently available. So what is it? How do you do it? Why does it matter? Find out in this blog post.

SOURCE

The following information is based on the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (10th edition, 2018) which the American Council of Exercise (ACE) also references.

NUMBERS

Frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and pattern/progressions (FITT-VP) are the factors to consider when performing different types of movement. We’ve covered this. You already know. You’re a smart cookie. You also know from my previous blog posts, MUSCLE, FLEXIBLE, & AEROBIC, that FITT-VP applies to all types of movement which includes neuromotor exercises. Let me give you the same format from this particular guideline.

FREQUENCY: It is recommended to perform these types of exercises 2-3 days a week or more.

INTENSITY: Has not been determined.

TYPE: While specific exercises are not mentioned here, the recommendation states that exercises involving motor skills including balance, agility, coordination, and gait are considered to be neuromotor exercises. Yoga, for example is a great neuromotor practice to implement. In fact, activities such as yoga and tai chi are recommended for older individuals. This can help older folks reduce dangerous falls.

VOLUME: Has not been determined.

PATTERN: Has not been determined.

PROGRESSION: Has not been determined.

Evidently, more research is needed to define exactly how neuromotor exercises impact health. The take-away from this is not that there is lack of information but that there is yet another benefit to being active.

The major benefit behind balance exercises is that they strengthen neuromotor capabilities. This reinforces my belief and idea - that I share with many - that being active is not simply a means to gain aesthetic, superficial changes, it also provides the ability to perform activities of daily living and to generally be well. Well of body, well of mind.

Once you begin to view your exercise routine or practice in this way, it won’t be such a chore to quickly get over. It will become a necessary fixture in your life that you may even find enjoyable. Remember, make it fun for yourself. Find the intrinsic satisfaction for everything you do. Find balance.

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This last post ends the recommendation series for “Frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and pattern/progressions (FITT-VP)”. Please check out MUSCLE, FLEXIBLE, & AEROBIC to get the whole picture. This series was highlighting recommendations provided by one reputable source.

I enjoyed making this series. In the future, I plan to highlight other guidelines and recommendations that I find interesting or I believe to have value. I will also continue to write anecdotal pieces because as drag queens Trixie and Katya would say “this is my <blog> and not yours”. In truth, I enjoy it and it gives me a creative outlet. As always, thank you for reading, liking, and following along!