If it Doesn't Challenge You it Doesn't Change You

A regular conversation that I have with my clients is around the discomfort that occurs when learning something new.  I will often hear people say "I've never had good balance" or "I'm just not very coordinated".  There seems to be this limiting belief that we only have good balance and coordination if we're lucky enough to be born with it.  This is simply not true.  Both balance and coordination are learned and can be improved with practice. 

For many of us, when we were kids we were regularly climbing on things, jumping up and down from high places, climbing on jungle gyms, and practicing balance and coordination on a daily basis through these playful activities.  As we grow older we are encouraged to contain our desire to climb on things, and by the time we become adults we may be seen as a bit eccentric if we were seen hopping down the street, skipping over the cracks in the side walk.  And so we lose that opportunity to practice and as a result we may lose a sense of balance and coordination.   But that doesn't mean that we can't relearn it.

Up until the late 20th century neurobiologists thought that there was a point in brain development when we could no longer learn new things.  That was disproven, and the concept of neuroplasticity became widely accepted as scientific fact.  Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.  
It's pretty amazing how the brain is able to form new connections and pathways, and actually change how its circuits are wired.  ​​ During such changes the brain will delete the neural connec-

tions that are no longer necessary or useful, and strengthen those that are being used.
Neuroplasticity is what allows us to learn new things as an adult, including balance an coordination. ​

At Wilcox Wellness & Fitness we incorporate balance and coordination into all of our training sessions.  We work to provide just the right challenge to support progress over time both in terms of overall strength and stamina, and also to improve our sense of balance and coordination.

When we challenge ourselves we are going to fail at first, and that's what it's all about.  This is often a big mindset shift that needs to be made before major progress can occur.  Giving ourselves the grace to fail is what allows us to embrace the journey.

Every time we are doing a balance exercise on one foot, and the opposite foot taps the floor for a moment our brain is learning.  Every time we practice a coordinated movement while feeling like we have two left feet our brain is learning.  And with practice those movements become easier and we are able to achieve them with greater confidence.

I know how it feels to be outside of my comfort zone both in my personal life, and in the gym.  In fact, the trainer team and I make a point to get out of our comfort zone with new movements on a regular basis.  Remembering how it feels when awkwardly learning a new movement makes us better coaches.  Being outside of our comfort zone allows us to spark new creativity, and continue to grow into our best selves.

Getting outside of our comfort zone is what allows us to grow both physically and mentally.  Creating brain-body connections inside of the gym allow us to tackle all of the activities that we want to do outside of the gym with absolute confidence.  Additionally, when we are able to challenge ourselves in a safe environment where you know that the trainer has your back we can move even further beyond our comfort zone.  This is such an incredible opportunity because we can experience all of the rewards of the challenge and begin to recognize the value in getting outside of our comfort zone in other aspects of our life that may not feel as safe at first. 

This may come in the form of taking on a new challenge at work, or pursuing a new talent or hobby in your personal life.  When we realize that challenging our brains, embracing the fear of failure, and boldly stepping outside of our comfort zone will pave a path to great personal reward, we are more likely to accept these opportunities when they present themselves.

Impacting the quality of our client's lives outside of the gym is what we live for!  Creating challenge in our training programs not only makes the process a ton of fun, but also creates the environment for real progress. There is a method to the madness when we present new dynamic movements that may feel impossible to complete at first, and it is important to remember that it is through that failure that one is able to take not only their health & fitness to the next level, but also the course of their entire lives!

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