Move It to Improve It, Think It to Link It: The Amazing Science of Neuroplasticity
Have you ever heard the phrase "use it or lose it"? Well, it's not just a catchy phrase – it's a fundamental principle of how our amazing bodies work! Whether we're talking about strength, flexibility, balance, or even our brain's ability to adapt (AKA neuroplasticity), our bodies are constantly responding to the demands we place on them.
The phrase "use it or lose it" sounds SO punishing though. I like to counter that with "move it to improve it" for our physical bodies... and "think it to link it" for our brilliant brains. Because here's the exciting truth: every time you challenge yourself, you're literally rewiring your brain and strengthening your body in ways that science is still discovering!
What Is Neuroplasticity, Really?
Neuroplasticity is your brain's incredible ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout your life. Think of it like creating new pathways in a forest – the more you walk a path, the clearer and easier it becomes to navigate. Your brain works the same way, whether you're learning a new movement pattern in Pilates class or practicing a challenging balance pose.
When we regularly challenge ourselves through exercise, our muscles get stronger, our joints become more flexible, our balance improves, AND our brains form new connections. On the flip side, when we don't use these abilities, our bodies think, "Hey, we don't need this anymore!" and start to dial things back. Our bodies are very good at conserving energy.
Move It to Improve It: Physical Neuroplasticity
Your body is constantly adapting to the demands you place on it. Here's what happens when you "move it to improve it":
Muscle Memory Magic: When you repeat movements in class, your brain creates more efficient neural pathways to control those muscles
Balance Breakthrough: Each time you challenge your balance, your brain strengthens the connections between your inner ear, eyes, and muscles
Coordination Creation: Complex movements like those in Pilates require your brain to coordinate multiple muscle groups – building stronger mind-body connections with every session
Real-World Example: Remember in class when you first tried placing your hand on the side of your ribcage to feel your oblique muscles to help with activation? With practice, you no longer need that physical cue because you've built the neural pathway between your brain and those muscles. That's neuroplasticity in action!
Think It to Link It: Mental Neuroplasticity
Your brain's ability to adapt isn't just about movement – it's about thinking, learning, and even relaxation:
Improvisational Movement: Studies show that spontaneous, creative movement challenges both sides of your brain, improving cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills
Mind-Body Coordination: When you focus on moving with intention (like we do in every class), you're strengthening the communication highways between your brain and body
Relaxation Training: At first, it might feel impossible to relax a tense shoulder just by thinking about it. But with practice, your brain learns to send those "release" signals more efficiently – leading to better stress management and less physical tension
The beauty of this process? Each time you practice mindful movement or meditation, you're literally rewiring your brain for better stress response and body awareness.
Your Weekly Neuroplasticity Challenge
Ready to put "move it to improve it" and "think it to link it" into action? Here's your plan for this week:
Move It to Improve It:
Try one new movement or exercise
Focus on a challenging balance pose or core exercise
Notice how your body responds differently by the end of the week
Think It to Link It:
Practice the hand-on-muscle technique, then try to activate that same muscle using only your mind
Spend 45 seconds each day, twice daily, consciously relaxing one tense area of your body
Add some improvisational movement to your routine – even 30 seconds of moving however feels good!
The Bottom Line
The good news? Every time you show up to class, practice at home, or even squeeze in a quick stretch, you're telling your body and brain, "Hey, let's keep all this good stuff!" You're not just maintaining – you're actively building stronger neural connections, better movement patterns, and a more resilient mind-body system.
Your brain and body are designed to adapt, grow, and thrive at any age. So keep moving, keep challenging yourself, and remember: you have the power to literally reshape your brain with every mindful movement you make.
Ready to dive deeper into the mind-body connection? Join me and co-instructor Jen Randle for our Core Connections Immersion starting September 20th, where we'll explore techniques for building that powerful brain-body partnership. Contact me for details!
New to our community? Take advantage of our New Student Special: 3 weeks unlimited classes for just $59. Whether you choose Pilates, Mobility Stretch, or our Wednesday morning meditation sessions (FREE!), you'll be investing in both your physical strength and your brain's amazing ability to adapt and grow.
Ready to move it to improve it AND think it to link it? Your journey starts with a single class – register today!
