Your brain on movement

   When I was 15 years old, there was a program that matched teenagers with aging adults in a nursing home. We were instructed to meet with our new friends and simply hang out with them. It was a challenging task for me as I didn't know what to say or do. I still remember her sweet face and her kind heart. The experience was quite pivotal for me. It influenced many of my relationships today.  I am so grateful for that program since today my favorite people are Medicare eligible.

   We have many names for the aging population and none of them I like. I've heard senior, silver, and old. But, the truth of the matter is people over the age of 65 are strong, capable and fascinating! Many of my strongest and most determined clients consider themselves "old ". In reality, these clients are tougher and more mobile than many of my 20 year old clients.

  It was in my celebration of the wiser generation that I found some interesting facts about the brain and how somatic practices lengthen the longevity of brain function.  I was already familiar with mind-body connection and right brain left brain movement theories. However, I stumbled into a several studies supporting how movement-based approaches can prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. When I continued down my research rabbit hole, I found some fascinating information about the brain and aging.


As you age, your brain shrinks, especially those important to leaning and other complex mental activities.

During preschool, 90% of your brain is formed. (Does that mean my son will always think the word for dinosaur is “grrrrrr”?)


The section of your brain responsible for executive function is not fully formed until about the age of 35.

The effects of aging can not only be prevented but are actually reversible. Read that one again.

World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21st and in an effort to support brains everywhere, Powers Pilates is donating 10% of all September’s profits to the Georgia Alzheimer's foundation.  That means that when you sign up for a session this month not only will you be nurturing your own cognitive abilities but, you'll be helping someone else's as well.