Movement & Neuroscience Nugget: Bouncing, Shaking and Jumping

Bouncing/shaking/jumping helps reset your nervous system but even cooler than that you can get even more from bang for your buck by adding in a little extra. We’re all busy people, so, if like me, you like getting more benefits for less time, try this tip to reset your nervous system AND get better balance at the same time.

As you’re bouncing up and down keep your gaze fixed on a focal point. You may want to add some different head positions into the mix. E.g. put you head on a tilt diagonally, make circles with your head.

Like any movement, it’s important to do it to an appropriate level for you. Your nervous system is unique to you, so if doing this exercise makes you feel like you’re getting dizzy/nauseous, SLOW IT DOWN or STOP and try it standing instead. It’s important to get the ‘dosage’ right.

Bouncing activates the vestibular system (your inner ear) which is crucial for any kind of balance. It tells your brain:

• Which way is up, and also

• What direction you’re moving in

So it stops you from falling over when doing anything from standing still, dancing like no one’s watching to holding your impressive handstand.

This system is MASSIVELY under utilised in the fitness/wellness industry as they tend to put the emphasis solely on Proprioception (knowing where parts of your body is in space) instead of improving our vestibular or visual systems, more on this another time.

What you need to know is that if you have even a slight deficit in any of these systems (Visual, Vestibular, Proprioceptive), you are compromising the Visual and Vestibular system and the Proprioceptive system pays the price.