Performance Rewired

Alle afleveringen

17 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud

  1. Episode 16: Input vs. Output - Selecting Better Input Improves Performance

    28 oktober 2026 · 27 min

    Afspelen
    We explore how the nervous system processes sensory inputs and turns it into movement, and how targeted changes to those inputs can affect performance. Follow along as we discuss assessments and training approaches involving vision, vestibular function, proprioception, attention, and context. Lees meer

    Key topics

    How sensory input influences movement and performance

    Why vision, vestibular function, and proprioception are common assessment areas

    How attention, thoughts, and environmental cues can affect performance

    How assessments help practitioners choose targeted drills

    Why the right exercise, dosage, and progression matter

    Timestamps

    00:39 Welcome and introducing input and output

    03:27 How the nervous system interprets sensory information

    05:00 Assessing vision, vestibular function, and proprioception

    11:40 Using assessments to find inputs that affect performance and build resilience

    19:17 Making visual skills relevant to performance

    21:14 Using targeted input to influence movement over time

    22:37 Why addressing the nervous system may be more efficient than repeating a skill

    Resources & Links

    Want to shift input? Try a drill from our YouTube Channel.

    Connect with us

    Yuka-IG: @levelupneuro

    Nikki-IG: @bybee_nikki

    Sign up for newsletters for updates on courses and resources

    Transformation Newsletter

    LevelUp Newsletter

  2. Episode 15: Why We Don't Use BOSU Balls in Training

    14 oktober 2026 · 24 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode we break down why BOSU balls and foam pads are not the best tools for improving balance, ankle proprioception, or athletic stability. There's a difference between training on unstable surfaces and training for the actual demands of performance, and we share examples from dancers, gymnasts, and other movers. Yuka walks through a study on ankle proprioception and unstable surfaces, while Nikki adds practical coaching context from dance training and foot tripod mechanics. Together, we clarify that balance work should match the environment and task the athlete actually needs to perform. Lees meer

    Key Topics

    Why BOSU balls often train a different balance strategy than the one
    athlete actually need

    When the floor is unstable, the nervous system reweights balance inputs away from the ankle and toward other strategies

    Yuka shares her preferred ankle stability drill

    Nikki emphasizes tripod foot contact at the heel, first metatarsal, and fifth metatarsal as the foundation for force and stability

    A practical takeaway that training should match the surface

    Timestamps

    0:00 Cold open and welcome to Performance Rewired

    0:38 Why we don’t use BOSU balls: What to expect from the episode

    5:05 Why head movement matters for improving balance

    6:30 - The study: Ankle proprioception is not targeted by exercises on an unstable surface

    14:10 Why force production is not enhanced on BOSU or foam and a drill you can do instead

    19:37 Managing the tripod of the foot, the sensory pronation drill, and closing thoughts

    Resources & Links

    Ankle proprioception is not targeted by exercises on an unstable surface

    Sensory Pronation Drill

    Connect with us

    Yuka-IG: @levelupneuro

    Nikki-IG: @bybee_nikki

    For practical drills and movement strategies, check out our YouTube Channel.

    Sign up for newsletters for updates on courses and resources

    Transformation Newsletter

    LevelUp Newsletter

  3. Episode 14: Building Resilience to Enhance Performance

    30 september 2026 · 30 min

    Afspelen
    We explore what resilience means in elite performance and how small movement patterns can reveal opportunities to build capacity. We discuss why resilience involves both the body and the mind, from adapting to physical challenges to staying open to feedback and unexpected changes. Lees meer

    Key topics

    In this episode, we discuss how resilience can help athletes and artists perform at higher level, even when conditions or physical patterns aren’t ideal.

    Why examining subtle movement patterns can help identify opportunities for growth, rather than labeling movement as simply good or bad.

    How elite performers can still have small deficits or “glitches” in their systems, and how addressing the right one may improve performance.

    How movement analysis can be mistaken for criticism, and why curiosity and openness to feedback can help performers make progress.

    How sticking to the same routines, locations, or equipment can limit adaptability when competition conditions change.

    Building resilience through safe, intentional disruptions in practice or interrupting a familiar routine.

    Techniques for nervous system regulation

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Opening the conversation and introducing resilience

    03:16 - Why resilience matters in performance

    04:14 - Looking at movement patterns, not just facial expression

    05:21 - Finding the small challenge that could build capacity

    06:22 - Visual, vestibular, and movement-system inputs

    09:40 - Usain Bolt as an example in a discussion of physical resilience

    12:38 - Why elite performers may still have areas to explore

    15:38 - Simone Biles, pressure, and performance challenges

    17:38 - Breaking down movement without labeling it good or bad

    20:33 - Resilience in viewpoint and openness to feedback

    21:20 - Why top performers are willing to show where they’re struggling

    24:12 - Flexibility, plasticity, and getting out of a fixed routine

    26:31 - Practicing resilience through intentional disruption

    27:24 - The horse example: safely building t…

  4. Episode 13: Seeing Clearly - Why 20/20 Vision Is Not the Whole Story for Dancers and Gymnasts

    16 september 2026 · 30 min

    Afspelen
    In Episode 13 we dig into the difference between static vision and the kind of visual control athletes actually need in motion. We focus on how vision, vestibular input, and body position affect spotting, turning, landing, and overall performance in dance and gymnastics. In this episode, we also share a practical drill progression for training visual acuity under movement, plus a few real-world coaching observations from the studio and the gym. Lees meer

    Key topics

    20/20 vision only measures static acuity

    Why motion changes what your eyes can do

    Signs vision may be limiting performance

    Plyometrics as a cross-training lesson in force and foot contact

    Why a nervous system approach can outperform biomechanical cueing

    Vision, vestibular, and proprioception have a hierarchy

    A simple drill to assess and train dynamic visual acuity

    Time stamps

    00:00 - Introduction

    02:28 - Life updates

    04:37 - Ballet jumps, thuds, and why foot stiffness matters

    06:11 - Applying plyometrics to a gymnast’s switch leap

    07:15 - Why 20/20 vision does not explain performance vision

    07:32 - What static visual acuity actually measures

    09:01 - Spotting, tumbling, and why movement changes vision

    10:23 - Testing static acuity beyond the standard eye exam

    11:52 - Head, neck, and shoulder position affecting vision

    14:25 - Why dynamic acuity matters for athletes in motion

    15:46 - Signs the nervous system is not getting enough visual data

    17:09 - Fake spotting, dizziness, headaches, and inconsistent skills

    20:17 - Athletes may not notice their vision is bouncing or blurry

    21:13 - Introducing the VOR drill for visual training

    22:14 - How to dose the drill and reassess performance

    23:10 - Progressing the drill into sport specific positions

    24:27 - Building resilience with unfamiliar body positions

    25:25 - Why dancers need real spotting practice, not just cues

    27:42 - Why visual training improved turns faster than biomechanics

    29:20 - The vision, vestibular, proprioception hierarchy

    30:1…

  5. Epsiode 12: Built to Rotate: Reflexes Behind Turns, Spins, Flips, and Rotational Performance

    2 september 2026 · 39 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we are breaking down some reflex systems that quietly shape balance, spotting, and rotational control in dance and gymnastics. The focus is on how the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems work together, and why performance issues like chin drop, bobblehead movement, and unstable turns may be tied to reflexive responses rather than just technique. This glimpse into the neural is especially useful for coaches and athletes who want a more complete view of rotation, head control, and why some movement problems do not respond to the usual biomechanical cues. It also includes practical signs to look for in training and a few ways to think about neck and sensory system prep differently. Lees meer

    Key topics

    • In this episode, we discuss why balance depends on three inputs - vision, somatosensory or proprioceptive input, and the vestibular system.

    • This is also a dive into the vestibulospinal reflex, the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the vestibulocollic reflex, and the cervical colic reflex as key systems behind upright posture, gaze stability, and head control.

    • Nikki shares how dropping the chin in pirouettes can be a reflexive safety response, not just a technical error.

    • Yuka explains how the vestibulo-ocular reflex helps keep the eyes stable during spotting in flips, turns, and spins.

    • We describe the vestibulocollic reflex as a major factor in keeping the head upright during running, vaulting, and other high-speed movement tasks.

    • Yuka shares the cervical colic reflex as a proprioceptive system driven by the neck muscles, especially the suboccipital muscles, which are extremely sensitive to motion.

    • They point out common clues in dancers and gymnasts, including chin tucking, head tilting, excess neck tension, trouble spotting, and unstable head position.

    • Both hosts emphasize that these reflexes are trainable and worth assessing in high-performance athletes.

    Timestamps

    03:24 - Why rotational athletes need head stability and gaze control
    …

  6. Episode 11: The Unintended Consequences of Corrections that Gymnastics Coaches and Dance Instructors Say

    19 augustus 2026 · 41 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we unpack common coaching cues that sound helpful in dance and gymnastics but can create confusion, tension, and even body-related insecurity. We discuss how the nervous system prioritizes safety over performance, and how that changes the way corrections could be given. When we replace vague or body-part-heavy cues with clearer, more effective language that supports learning without increasing threat, we get better results. Lees meer

    Key topics

    This episode was inspired by a post by Shane Wuerthner @athletistry. We explore corrections that dancers and gymnasts hear constantly but may not understand, and why that gap matters for performance and confidence.

    We explain why “performance comes after safety” and how the nervous system will always choose stability over compliance with a cue.

    You’ll hear a break down the problems with cues like “tuck your butt,” including how they can create extra tension in the pelvis and make students feel like their bodies are wrong.

    The problem with the common “ribs in” correction and why rib-cage cues often fail when the athlete does not have enough proprioceptive awareness of the area or has to manage respiration and spinal position at the same time.

    We contrast internal-body cues with external-focus imagery, using examples like “monster mouth” for rib alignment and tape imagery for handstand shape.

    There is also an explanation why “lower your shoulders” can be frustrating, especially when the athlete is already trying to manage arm position, neck tension, and shoulder-rib spacing.

    We dig into the problem with naming muscles or anatomy that the athlete does not understand, such as “use your lats,” “pull up your quads,” or “connect your hamstrings to your sit bones.”

    Nikki emphasizes that a lot of these cues can trigger anxiety, scanning, and maladaptive perfectionism, especially in dancers who already feel pressure to monitor every detail.

    We unpack the cue “lift from under the leg” and explain why joint position, pe…

  7. Episode 10: The Neuroscience of Corrections and Movement Safety

    5 augustus 2026 · 35 min

    Afspelen
    Discover how neural inputs, safety mechanisms, and sensory feedback influence corrections in dance and gymnastics, and learn practical strategies to optimize performance by rewiring the brain and body. Lees meer

    Key Topics

    The role of corrections in dance and gymnastics and how they affect performance

    Why some athletes need fewer corrections due to neural safety and neural input

    How safety mechanisms, like eye convergence and body awareness, influence movement correction

    The importance of neural wiring and sensory input for efficient, fluid movement

    External focus techniques, imagery, and environment adjustments to enhance learning

    The significance of body-wide interconnectedness, including foot and hand neural coupling

    Practical drills to improve foot awareness, alignment, and sensory feedback

    Understanding foot anatomy, the 'tripod' concept, and implications for aesthetic and functional movement

    Strategies for managing tension, absorption, and safety in landings and complex skills

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction to corrections and their intrinsic role in dance and gymnastics

    00:32 - Life updates

    01:03 - The core reason behind corrections: neural safety and the body's protective mechanisms

    01:54 - How body structure influences correction needs and performance

    03:19 - The impact of safety on movement, including eye convergence and neural wiring

    04:30 - The path of least resistance in movement and how neural input shapes correction

    05:27 - Why deep neural rewiring is essential for optimal performance

    06:49 - Common movement resistance caused by neural safety zones

    07:45 - How safety behaviors, like closing eyes or avoiding corrections, develop

    09:44 - Cognitive reserves and their impact on reflexive versus voluntary movement

    11:09 - The significance of accurate sensory input from the feet for safety and performance

    12:38 - How neural disconnection affects balance, alignment, and movement quality

    14:18 - The importance of absorption in landings and how …

  8. Episode 9 - Understanding the Crucial Role of Feet in Movement, Safety, and Performance

    22 juli 2026 · 38 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we explore the often overlooked importance of foot function in dance and gymnastics, emphasizing sensory feedback, biomechanics, and training techniques to improve connection to the ground. Whether you're a performer or coach, gain insights on how foot awareness can transform movement quality and safety. Lees meer

    Key Topics

    The feet as primary sensory tools critical for safety and movement control

    The feedback loop between feet and brain: How sensory input influences gait, posture, and power

    The anatomy of the foot: 26 bones, joints, muscles, and its complexity

    The concept of the tripod foot: Its shape, significance, and how proper contact points enhance control

    How to recognize and correct improper foot engagement in dancers and gymnasts

    The impact of footwear and technique on foot sensory input and function

    Connection between foot alignment and overall body posture, with practical exercises

    Interrelationship between hands, feet known as interlimb neural coupling

    Drills to improve proprioception and internal rotation via sensory feedback

    The importance of barefoot training and reducing compressive footwear for better foot health

    Tips for assessing and enhancing foot sensation in daily and training routines

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction: The importance of foot awareness in movement

    00:42 - How the feet influence posture, safety, and performance

    03:35 - Exploring the main focus: foot feedback loop and biomechanical control

    05:07 - Recognizing momentum generation through the foot: lurching vs tripod grounding

    06:31 - Aesthetic considerations in gymnastics and the importance of foot points

    08:48 - Defining the tripod foot: contact points and misconceptions in training

    11:13 - Using the tripod concept to improve ground engagement and reduce tension

    12:10 - Sensory input, safety, and the brain's representation of the feet

    14:18 - The importance of landing softly and absorbing shock effectively

    17:15 - The anatomy of the foot: bones, join…

  9. Episode 8 - How We Approach Neuro Training Program Design for Dancers and Gymnasts

    8 juli 2026 · 33 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we talk about the perception of neuro training as brain ‘tricks’ and discuss how it's a process and approach that creates changes in the brain to improve physical performance for the long-run. We share recent experiences from workshops and clinics and the process behind designing and refining programs for groups and individuals. Lees meer

    Key topics

    Why neuro training should be part of the beginning of every movement session

    Translating workshop “tricks” into long-term training

    How an Assess - Reassess process helps athletes track what actually works

    Individualized protocols and why some athletes respond differently

    Using neuro training as a warm-up for the nervous system, not just the muscles

    Pain, safety, and how the brain can create protective responses that inhibit movement

    Timestamps

    1:20 - How Nikki creates accountability for dancers in her workshops

    02:08 - We’re rewiring the brain in order to create changes in how it drives movement, not doing a series of brain “tricks”

    05:35 - The Assess - Reassess process as a method to select drills, and how to reinforce the learning process with athletes, dancers and coaches

    07:37 - The benefit of coaches and instructors understanding the approach and process

    09:05 - Why neurotraining works best when integrated into daily practice, classes or rehearsals

    09:53 - The process of introducing and adjusting drills in group settings

    11:20 - How body position plays a role in the outcome of a drill and the importance of gradually introducing complexity

    13:13 - How a simple positional change could create a negative or positive result from a drill

    14:30 - Challenges of introducing neuro training to a group that will respond to drills differently

    15:47 - The power of individualized protocols and the optimal frequency for the best results

    16:25 - An example of neuro training improving a professional athlete’s performance and longevity

    19:20 - Why warming up and performance improvements benefit from solutio…

  10. Episode 7 - Why Elite Dancers and Gymnasts Need Elite Levels of Proprioception

    24 juni 2026 · 32 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode of Performance Rewired, we dive into the essential role of proprioception in athletic and artistic performance, exploring how elite performers might still have gaps in their sensory awareness and how to optimize this critical system. We share insights from our coaching experiences as well as practical exercises to improve proprioceptive capacity. Lees meer

    Key Topics:

    The importance of having high-levels of proprioceptive awareness for elite athletes, dancers, and gymnasts

    How injuries and repetitive patterns can limit proprioceptive acuity

    Exercises to enhance proprioceptive awareness, including two-point discrimination and graphesthesia

    The impacts of sensory reweighting, like an overreliance on visual inputs to understand where you are in space

    The role of sensory mapping in injury recovery and movement

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to proprioception and its relevance for performance

    00:27 - Common misconceptions about elite proprioception levels

    01:23 - Life updates

    03:54 - Observations from coaching diverse groups and managing threshold points in the course of a class

    04:51 - How having a neural lens aids in calibrating performance level changes during a class

    08:39 - The hierarchy of systems that drive movement and where proprioception falls in that hierarchy

    09:10 - Proprioception defined

    09:44 - Why high performers need high-definition 3D brain-body maps

    10:02 - How injuries and repetitive patterns can lead to gaps in proprioceptive maps

    11:00 - Clues pointing to proprioceptive deficits and cases of intentionally ignoring information

    from the limbs13:17 - Sensory reweighting: Reliance on proprioceptive information vs visual and vestibular inputs

    15:37 - Effects of mirror reliance and visual dependence in artistic movement

    17:19 - Using resistance bands to enhance body awareness

    19:26 - Assessing proprioception through two-point discrimination

    22:02 - Graphesthesia and sensory exercises for performance, pain and injury recovery…

  11. Episode 6: How to Incorporate Neurotraining In High Performance Athletes, Dancers, and Gymnasts— Boost Your Movement, Resilience, and Longevity

    10 juni 2026 · 35 min

    Afspelen
    Discover how neuro performance training can enhance athletic and dance performance, prolong careers, and optimize movement efficiency. This episode explores the integration of neuro training into high-performance routines, emphasizing the importance of training the brain and nervous system alongside physical strength. Lees meer

    In this episode

    The hierarchy of movement: Why the brain's input (visual, vestibular, sensory systems) governs muscle function

    How neuro training acts as the software for the body's hardware, optimizing movement and performance

    The significance of neuro training for high-level athletes, dancers, and performers aiming for that extra 1% boost

    Ways to incorporate neuro drills into daily routines, training sessions, and pre-performance routines

    The role of neuro training in reducing tension, unraveling compensations, and preventing injury or plateau

    Understanding the nervous system’s role in pain, tension, and movement limitations

    How neuro training enhances resilience and adaptability to high stress and demanding environments

    Case examples: Olympic athletes, dancers, and even horses benefiting from resilience-building neuro protocols

    Practical tips on assessing nervous system thresholds and customizing neuro interventions

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction: How neuro training fits into high performance and why it matters

    00:17 - The hierarchy of biomechanics: inputs controlling muscle function

    00:47 - Neuro training as the brain's software, enhancing the body's hardware

    01:30 - Benefits for elite athletes and dancers: performance edge and career longevity

    02:45 - How neuro training can reduce tension and undo compensations

    03:36 - Addressing nervous system regulation in movement and performance

    04:04 - Why high performers plateau and how neuro training offers a solution

    05:04 - Integrating neuro drills into busy training routines and pre-performance warm-ups

    07:19 - The importance of resilience and managing high-stress environments

    08:1…

  12. Episode 5: The Vestibular System's Hidden Role in High-Performance Athletes

    27 mei 2026 · 37 min

    Afspelen
    Discover why the vestibular system, a crucial set of organs in the inner ear, can significantly impact athletic performance, balance, and movement. Learn how fine-tuning this system can lead to rapid improvements in stability, flexibility, and overall coordination, as well as reduce spinal tension. Lees meer

    In this episode:

    The role of the vestibular system in balancing and spatial orientation

    How vestibular dysfunction affects elite athletes and dancers

    Simple tests and drills to assess and enhance vestibular function

    The misconception of BOSU balls as proprioceptive tools

    Relationship between vestibular health, postural tension, and movement quality

    Case studies demonstrating quick progress with targeted vestibular training

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to the powerful vestibular system

    01:53 - The importance of understanding vestibular health for performers

    02:22 - How the inner ear regulates balance and spatial relationships

    03:07 - The impact of vestibular dysfunction in elite athletes

    04:17 - Common signs of vestibular system issues and their effects

    05:09 - What is the vestibular system and how does it work?

    08:18 - The vestibulo-ocular reflex and its importance for focus during movement

    09:12 - How delayed reactions reveal vestibular deficiencies

    10:06 - Rapid and effective training methods for the vestibular system

    11:43 - The connection between balance, eye focus, and performance

    13:06 - How vestibular assessments help guide training, especially in young athletes

    14:46 - The significance of reflexes in movement and performance

    16:00 - Common signs of vestibular dysfunction in gymnasts and dancers

    17:41 - Practical examples of vestibular influence on flexibility and strength

    19:11 - The impact of vestibular training on spinal tension and movement range

    22:37 - Success stories of rapid adaptation through vestibular rehab

    25:09 - Functional movements to train the vestibular system effectively

    27:45 - Signs of vestibular issues in gait and…

  13. Episode 4: Convergence - A Crucial Visual Skill for Dance and Gymnastics

    13 mei 2026 · 30 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we explore how visual skills, particularly convergence, impact movement, performance, and injury prevention in dance and athletics. You’ll find practical insights into diagnosing convergence issues and techniques to improve visual capacity for better performance. Lees meer

    Main Topics:

    The role of convergence in movement and performance

    How to self-assess convergence skills

    Insight into optimizing visual input for better balance, movement, and injury prevention

    The impact of visual system efficiency on sports like gymnastics and dance

    Practical exercises to enhance convergence and visual awareness

    In this episode:

    How convergence influences depth judgment, balance, and coordination

    Common signs of convergence issues

    Case examples of athletes with convergence deficiencies and their effects on performance

    The relationship between eye health, tension, and movement safety

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - The influence of eye convergence on movement

    02:30 - Prevalence of convergence insufficiency among children and adults

    04:10 - Case study: Traumatic brain injury and convergence challenges

    06:47 - How convergence impacts depth perception and spatial awareness

    09:00 - Examples from gymnastics and sports illustrating visual system importance

    12:14 - Personal experiences with eye dominance and depth perception issues

    15:07 - How visual input drives movement safety and efficiency in dance and sports

    17:38 - The importance of convergence training in improving athletic performance

    22:22 - Signs of visual fatigue linked to injury risk and mental blocks

    25:07 - Why train your visual system for optimal movement and safety

    26:50 - Quick self-assessment for convergence capabilities

    28:31 - Practical exercises to improve convergence and visual coordination

    30:18 - Final thoughts: vision as a critical, trainable component of performance

    Resources & Links:

    A Basic Convergence Exercise: Pencil Push Ups

    Connect with Yuka & Nikki:

    IG: @bybee_nikki

    IG: @levelupne…

  14. Episode 3: Enhancing Movement Through Vision - The Power of Eye Training in Dance and Gymnastics Performance

    29 april 2026 · 42 min

    Afspelen
    Discover how your eyes influence movement, performance, and overall physical health. This episode explores the deep connection between vision and motor skills, providing practical insights into improving visual skills for athletes and movers alike. Lees meer

    Key topics

    The critical role of vision in motor development and movement efficiency

    How early eye tracking (smooth pursuit) influences locomotion

    The connection between eye health, movement, and neck pain

    Assessment tools for visual system deficiencies impacting performance

    Practical drills to enhance visual skills such as smooth pursuit, saccades, and accommodation

    The impact of visual training on athletic reflexes, balance, and confidence

    Reweighting neural pathways through targeted eye exercises

    Case studies: from dance to sports—how vision training improves outcomes

    The relationship between visual input and reprogramming motor patterns

    Simple daily eye exercises for immediate movement and performance benefits

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to the importance of vision in movement

    00:21 - Personal updates and new neuro performance mentorship program

    02:18 - How visual skills impact athletic performance

    04:20 - Visual system's role from infancy to adult movement

    05:51 - How vision influences safety, balance, and coordination

    06:02 - Developmental milestones: eye tracking and locomotion

    07:36 - The significance of visual skills like focus, acuity, and pursuit

    08:56 - Vision as a primary sensory input for spatial awareness

    09:23 - Consequences of vision impairments on confidence and movement

    11:18 - Visual skills assessment and neural pathways

    12:34 - How eye motion reveals neurological and motor coordination issues

    13:44 - Practical examples: improving sports performance with visual drills

    16:56 - The impact of focus, accommodation, and eye muscle efficiency

    20:23 - Visual training's effect on high-level performance and reflexes

    22:44 - Simple drills to train smooth pursuit, saccades, and nea…

  15. Episode 2: Unlocking Movement Mastery - The Power of the Cerebellum

    15 april 2026 · 36 min

    Afspelen
    Discover how understanding and training the cerebellum can dramatically enhance coordination, balance, and agility—especially for dancers, gymnasts, athletes and movement enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the brain's tiny yet mighty structure that controls precision, muscle tone, and error correction in movement. In this episode: Lees meer

    The cerebellum's core functions: accuracy, balance, and coordination

    How cerebellar drills improve trunk control, eye movement, and limb precision

    The significance of right-left limb balance and strategies to assess imbalances

    Simple assessment tools: RAPS, heel-to-shin, and eye tracking

    Practical drills for cerebellar training to boost athletic performance

    The impact of cerebellum health on muscle tone, and posture

    Relationship between cerebellar function and neurological conditions like hypotonia

    How to tailor training programs based on cerebellar assessments

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction to the cerebellum's role in movement

    00:48 - The cerebellum and trunk control: a dancer's story

    01:06 - Coordination in sprained ankles and brain-body maps

    02:07 - How cerebellar function affects angular vs. smooth movement

    04:11 - The ABCs of the cerebellum: accuracy, balance, coordination

    04:43 - Error detection and correction: refining motor plans

    05:13 - How the cerebellum acts as a project manager in movement

    06:40 - Signs of cerebellar imbalance: stiffness and angularity

    07:09 - Regulation of muscle tone and reflexive postural control

    07:49 - Roadside cerebellar tests and eye coordination drills

    09:16 - Personal gaze stabilization exercises and their benefits

    10:24 - Zones of the cerebellum: vermis, intermediate, lateral zones

    11:21 - Assessing limb control and fine motor skills

    12:57 - The importance of bilateral training in dance and gymnastics

    15:23 - Assessment tools: diadochokinesia, heel-to-shin, circle drawing

    18:13 - Recognizing cerebellar deficiency: slow and flailing movements

    20:22 - Foot and leg coordinatio…

  16. Episode 1: Understanding the Frontal Lobe

    15 april 2026 · 30 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, we explore how the frontal lobe influences movement, decision-making, and inhibition, with insights from dancers, gymnasts, and case studies. We discuss practical drills and exercises to activate the frontal lobe, improve movement initiation, and reduce unnecessary tension, enhancing athletic performance and everyday function. Lees meer

    Key topics:

    The anatomy of the frontal lobe: primary motor cortex, motor association cortex, prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, and the frontal eye field

    How the frontal lobe controls movement initiation, planning, and inhibition

    The relationship between the frontal lobe and movement disorders like Parkinson’s and ADHD

    Practical exercises: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance drills to activate and train the frontal lobe

    The impact of frontal lobe activity on movement fluidity, tension, and reflexive responses

    Case studies: eye movement delay in patients with brain tumors and personal experiences with initiation/inhibition challenges

    The global influence of frontal lobe function on daily habits, gait, and emotional regulation

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the importance of studying the frontal lobe in movement

    02:25 - Overview of the frontal lobe regions involved in movement control

    03:06 - Primary motor cortex and inhibition versus initiation roles

    04:01 - The motor association cortex as the brain’s navigator for movement plans

    05:01 - Executive functions housed in the prefrontal cortex: decision-making and emotional

    regulation06:26 - The frontal lobe as the brain’s CEO in movement

    07:06 - Coordination of brain regions for seamless responses

    08:00 - How the brain anticipates and prepares for movement using the motor association cortex

    09:22 - The impact of over-monitoring on movement fluidity and tension

    10:20 - Fear, mental rehearsal, and the "frozen" states in movement execution

    11:19 - Case study: eye movement delays post-brain tumor removal

    12:23 - Personal experiences with init…

  17. Trailer

    30 maart 2026 · 14 min

    Afspelen
    Welcome to the trailer for Performance Rewired! In this episode we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start a podcast, and how we hope to educate gymnasts, dancers, coaches and instructors on what it actually means to apply neuroscience to these pursuits, how you and your students can benefit, and share practical ways to do it. Lees meer

    Things we covered:
    •Why we started a podcast
    •Our background and education, how we came to neuroscience and why it’s now central to how we work
    •How conventional training falls short
    •The brain’s role in movement
    •Real-world success stories
    •Key take-aways and what’s next

    Connect with Yuka and Nikki:
    Yuka - IG @levelupneuro
    Nikki - IG: @bybee_nikki

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