7 Outcomes we expect when adding applied neurology to training

In the world of athletics, fitness, and skill development, the quest for improvement is a constant pursuit. Athletes, coaches, and trainers are always seeking new methods to enhance performance, push boundaries, and achieve success.

No longer does the training world think that making the brain more efficient is too hard to understand, when in fact, it is as easy as understanding how to periodize workouts.

One increasingly popular approach gaining traction in the realm of training is the integration of applied neurology into daily workouts and coaching strategies. This approach recognizes the crucial role the brain plays in physical and cognitive performance and aims to leverage insights from neuroscience to optimize training outcomes.

So, what would be some of the goals of adding neurology to training?

Here are 7 outcomes you should expect when adding applied neurology to training and rehabilitation programs.

1. Understanding Brain-Body Connection:

   By understanding how the relationship between the brain affects everything below the neck (ie body) trainers can gain deeper insights into how the brain and nervous system are influencing movement, pain, and physical performance. 

No longer are you stuck trying to explain why certain pains etc don’t go away.  You now understand the importance of the nervous system and its role in your training.

Understanding how certain areas of the brain drive movement, coordination, and skill acquisition can inform more effective training protocols tailored with applied neurology drills based on individual needs.

2. Enhancing Motor Learning:

   An applied neurology education will facilitate faster and more efficient motor learning, helping trainers, coaches, therapists, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts acquire and refine skills with greater precision.

By aligning training methods with principles of neuroplasticity and skill acquisition, trainers can optimize the learning process and accelerate progress at any age or stage of the client.

3. Improving Movement Quality:

   By focusing on the neural mechanisms that govern movement quality and efficiency, trainers can help athletes optimize their biomechanics, reduce injury risk, and enhance overall performance.

Through targeted interventions that address neural imbalances, movement dysfunctions, and compensatory patterns, athletes can move with greater fluidity, grace, and control.

4. Enhancing Cognitive Performance:

   Neurological training techniques aren't just limited to physical skills—they can also enhance cognitive performance and mental resilience.

By incorporating cognitive training exercises, mindfulness practices, and neurofeedback techniques into training and mental health programs, athletes and clients can sharpen focus, enhance decision-making, and improve overall mental wellness.

5. Personalizing Training Programs:

   One of the key advantages of neurologically informed training is its emphasis on applied neurology inter-session individualization and customization.

By assessing each athlete's unique neurological profile, trainers can tailor applied neurology interventions to address specific strengths, weaknesses, and goals, maximizing the effectiveness of each session, minimizing the risk of overtraining, and maximizing recovery time.

6. Facilitating Rehabilitation and Recovery:

   Neurology can also play a crucial role in rehabilitation and recovery from injury. By understanding the neural mechanisms underlying pain, movement dysfunction, and tissue healing, trainers can develop targeted interventions to support recovery, restore function, and prevent future injuries.

7. Fostering Long-Term Athletic Development:

   Finally, applied neurology isn't about short-term gains—it's about turning on the brain so you are optimized for long-term athletic development and longevity.

Applied neurology teaches you that the brain is the governing system of the body and can be re-engaged at any age.

By laying a strong foundation of neurological skills that start to wire and fire together early on, athletes and clients can build resilience, adaptability, and sustainability over the course of their careers, enabling them to perform at their peak for years to come.

Adding applied neurology to your training represents a paradigm shift in how we approach athletic development and performance enhancement.  Gone are the days when we thought we couldn’t fix our brain deficiencies, and it’s no more complicated than “turning on” your glute medius with band walking.

By harnessing the power of brain science and applied neurology, trainers can unlock new levels of potential, optimize performance, and empower athletes and clients to achieve their goals.

So, whether you're a personal trainer or strength coach consider looking into what an applied neurology education can do for you.  Click here to learn more about our mentorship.