Strengthening This Will Change Your Life
Proprioception is often referred as the "sixth sense." It's the remarkable ability of our body to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space without relying on visual cues. This essential skill plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, coordinating movements, and preventing injuries. At MARGO’S it’s an essential skill we work on in all classes.
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception is the sense that enables us to know where our body parts are in relation to one another and how they move without looking at them. It involves receptors in our muscles, tendons, and joints that send continuous feedback to our brain about our body's position and motion. This feedback allows us to perform everyday tasks with ease, such as walking, standing, and reaching for objects, without consciously thinking about it. Go ahead, touch your nose without looking in a mirror.
The Importance of Strengthening Proprioception
Injury Prevention: A well-developed proprioceptive sense helps prevent injuries by allowing us to quickly adjust our movements in response to changes in our environment. It helps us avoid slips, trips, and falls, as well as reducing the risk of sprains and strains during physical activities.
Balance and Stability: Proprioception is essential for maintaining balance and stability. It enables us to make subtle adjustments to our posture and gait, ensuring we remain upright and steady even on uneven surfaces or when navigating through crowded spaces.
Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes who have honed their proprioceptive abilities tend to exhibit better agility, reaction times, and body control. This heightened sense can make a significant difference in sports that require quick and precise movements. This is why you continue to grow with MARGO’S. Our methodology allows for non-limited growth. You’re consistently building strength. No plateaus here.
If you can’t make it to class, here are 5 exercises to strengthen proprioception at home
Single Leg Stands: Stand on one leg with a slight bend in your knee. Focus on keeping your balance and holding the position for as long as possible. Switch to the other leg and repeat. To challenge yourself further, close your eyes while standing on one leg.
Balance Board Exercises: Utilize a balance board or wobble board to challenge your proprioceptive abilities. Stand on the board with your feet shoulder-width apart and try to maintain your balance as the board tilts in different directions.
Reverse lunges: These require a heightened sense of body awareness and balance. Step one foot behind you as you lower into a 90 degree angle. Stay steady as you power back up to the original standing position. Change sides.
Bosu Ball Exercises: Perform exercises such as squats or planks on a Bosu ball, which is a half-sphere stability training tool. Turn the Bosu Ball onto the ball side to use the flat end. The unstable surface challenges your proprioception and strengthens the stabilizing muscles.
Dynamic Balance Drills: Incorporate dynamic balance drills, such as side shuffles, high knees, and crossover steps, like you’ve seen in CARDIO into your workout routine. These movements challenge your body to adapt to various positions and directions.
Proprioception is a remarkable sense that we all have. It influences every movement we make. By strengthening this hidden superpower, we can enhance our balance, coordination, and overall physical performance. Engaging in proprioceptive exercises regularly not only reduces the risk of injuries but also empowers us to move with confidence and grace in our daily lives. MARGO’S proprioceptive training is central to our methodology. It’s part of our preventative, anti-aging secret sauce. Unlock your full potential for a balanced and active lifestyle with MARGO’S.