BY: JANICE HUTTON
GET YOUR THRILLS
BRAIN TRUST
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Golfing, mountain climbing, snorkeling,
stand up paddle boarding, marathon
running, skate boarding, sky diving,
motor cross racing, mountain biking
or triathlons – adults can choose to
explore a broad range of exciting activities. That desire is directly related
to the physical confidence we did or
didn’t develop as a child. In the movement industry, we stress the concept
of “Use It or Lose It” which refers to
motor skills as well as muscles. If you
don’t continue to build your physical
confidence with age, your ability to
perform even simple tasks like riding
a bike will slowly erode. Many adults
limit their adventures because they
fear being injured or embarrassed.
“I can do that”
is replaced with
“Oh no, I don’t do
that”, putting a
limit on exciting
life experiences
because their
emotional trust
in their own
physical capability is missing.
Even active adults experience setbacks
in their physical confidence - a minor
injury can turn into
a major setback.
When your body
experiences pain
and inflammation
from an injury
(think sprained
ankle) that results
in a disturbance in the
communication between muscles and
nervous system. The brain naturally
disconnects from the injured area
to reduce the stress on the ankle.
You limp to avoid ankle pain and
your brain prevents those muscles
from contracting. This does promote
good recovery in the short term, but
if your brain doesn’t reconnect with
that injured ankle during your rehab
program, you can suffer from repeated
injuries, a loss of movement and
ultimately a loss of confidence in that
ankle to support you in daily activities
and more intense exercise. Recovery from injury must include both
physical and mental rebuilding of the
injured region for long term success.
As we age, our attitude towards
life shifts. Some choose to get old
by avoiding activity, but others push
their physical boundaries, refusing to
give in to Father Time. Fear of falling
becomes an issue because fractures
can be life-threatening. Imagine
suffering a cardiovascular event
like a stroke or a heart attack and
having to learn to trust your heart
and your ability to move. Fear drives
every decision. Confidence in your
body is gone. Even everyday tasks
become a burden and depression
can easily set in. Can you relearn
skills to regain confidence?
ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY!
fall 2015 | wo magazine | 13