Co-ordination is the expression of smooth integrated movement; if you watch an Olympic athlete run they look efficient and seem to use no effort at all in their motion. If you want to improve your movement and reduce mechanical stress on the body, work on your co-ordination.
Co-ordination though is affected by several different abilities including: balance, spatial orientation, reaction, kinaesthetic differentiation and rhythm. For co-ordination to be optimised it should be practised from childhood. Developing co-ordination skills between the ages of 7-14, was found through research to be a critical time when the window of opportunity presented for the central nervous system appeared to be the most adaptable, but we can still improve as we age and not everyone agrees with this research. Playing a variety of games and improving what is termed fundamental movement skills will help improve co-ordination. We do add some co-ordination skills into our classes as this is as an important element in improving movement for health.
Also to note here that fundamental movement skills may not have been taught to you in your younger days and you've ended up just trying to play a sport which often highlights a co-ordination skills problem where you may not have been shown any exercises or guidance to help you improve.
Exercises to improve co-ordination may need to be specific for an individual to improve. Some clients may be better at balancing, while others may have better reactions or more body awareness. It is therefore important to set aside time in conjunction with your regular training or class to improve co-ordinated movement.
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