Neuromuscular Stabilization Training

Do you work on your balance? Hmmmm, something we all take for granted but are constantly integrating in our lives daily. Like any other component of fitness, this one is often overlooked and if so becomes deficient with inactivity.

Balance is a component of all movements and is not just a static process. Functional balance is a process using multiple neurological pathways.

Mike Clark MS. a leader in the Fitness Industry advocating function is a top educator on integrating the kinetic chain. He states " The kinetic chain works as an integrated functional unit to allow structural and functional efficiency. Structural efficiency is the alignment of the musculoskeletal system (myofascial and articular systems) that allows our center of gravity to be maintained over our base of support during movement. This signifies the importance of proper postural alignment before, during and after each exercise. Functional efficiency is the ability of the neuromuscular system to monitor and manipulate movement during functional tasks using the least amount of energy, creating the least amount of stress on the kinetic chain. This can only be accomplished by having proper structural efficiency. If the kinetic chain is not properly aligned, the muscles will be placed in altered length-tension relationships and cause altered force-couple relationships. In turn, the receptors located in the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments will provide improper sensory feedback to the nervous system and result in the production of faulty movement patterns. The nervous system is organized in such a way as to optimize the selection of muscle synergies and not the selection of the individual muscles. The nervous system thinks in terms of movement patterns and not isolated muscle function. Isolation and training individual muscles over prolonged periods of time creates artificial sensory feedback, faulty sensorimotor integration and abnormal forces throughout the kinetic chain. This ultimately acts to confuse the nervous system as muscles are being asked to perform a function that the nervous system does not understand.
Traditional program design often results in an incomplete training program not challenging the proprioceptive mechanisms of the kinetic chain."

Therefore an educated and conscientious workout routine should include exercise that invlove a proprioceptive challenge. One leg balance, the use of stability balls, foam rolls, bosu and wobble boards are all tools that can provide this stimulus. Of course, this type of training (just like any other) should be tailored and logically progressed according to an individuals needs and body awareness levels.

I specifically integrate proprioceptive challenges in all my workout designs for my clients. Besides the obvious core strength/neural improvements it provides, it's a great way to break up monotony of an exercise routine and beside that, looks COOL too!! :)