For years, educators and cognitive experts have been searching for ways to improve the brain’s function. One of the methods that emerged is Brain Gym exercises. Before we dive into what it is, its benefits, and whether it works or not, let’s first define what Brain Gym is.
What is Brain Gym?
Brain Gym is a simple but effective set of movements that promote brain-body connection. The goal of these exercises is to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, focus, and processing speed. The movements, developed by Dr. Paul Dennison and Gail Dennison, target the neural pathways and muscles that coordinate eye movement, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and auditory processing.
What are the 26 Brain Gym movements?
Brain Gym exercises consist of 26 movements or activities that are organized into three categories:
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Midline Movements:
The midline movements help activate the left and right hemispheres of the brain. For instance, the “Cupid’s Bow” movement is where you touch your right elbow to your left knee while looking at the ceiling and then switch. -
Energy Exercises:
The energy exercises help increase energy levels, circulation, and coordination. Examples include the “Brain Buttons” where you cross your arms and touch your fingers to the middle of your forehead and massage the area. -
Lengthening Activities:
The lengthening activities help develop flexibility, posture, and balance. Examples include the “Cross-Crawl” where you march and touch your opposite elbow to your knee.
Does Brain Gym Actually Work?
The question of whether Brain Gym exercises work or not is a topic of debate. While the anecdotes and claims of some people suggest that it does, scientific evidence is insufficient. Although the idea of using movement to enhance cognition is grounded in neuroscience, the empirical research that examines Brain Gym specifically is limited and inconclusive.
One study that aimed to determine the effects of Brain Gym on math performance found no significant difference between the group that did Brain Gym and the control group that did the regular physical exercise. However, some researchers point out that the study had several limitations, such as a small sample size and inadequate measure of cognitive function.
It’s worth noting that some of the Brain Gym movements have been incorporated into interventions that have shown to be effective, such as the Learning Breaks program.
Why Do We Do Brain Gym Exercises?
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, Brain Gym exercises have become popular among educators and parents. There are several reasons why people do these exercises:
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To improve cognitive abilities
: Many people believe that Brain Gym exercises help improve cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and processing speed. -
To enhance academic performance
: Brain Gym exercises are often used in schools to help students prepare for tests, exams, and assignments. -
To relieve stress
: Brain Gym exercises can be relaxing and help reduce stress levels in both children and adults. -
To promote physical well-being
: Brain Gym exercises involve movement and can help promote flexibility, posture, and balance.
Brain Gym Exercises: Free 26 Movements PDF
If you’re interested in trying Brain Gym exercises, you can find the complete list of 26 movements online. You can also find free PDFs that explain how to do the exercises correctly. It’s essential to note that before doing any physical exercise, especially if you have a medical condition, you should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
While the scientific evidence supporting Brain Gym exercises is limited, the movements have become popular among educators and parents as a way to improve cognitive abilities. Brain Gym consists of 26 movements that are organized into three categories: midline movements, energy exercises, and lengthening activities. These movements can help activate the left and right hemispheres of the brain, increase energy levels and circulation, develop flexibility, posture, and balance.
If you’re interested in trying Brain Gym exercises, you can find free PDFs online that explain how to do the exercises correctly. Whether these exercises work or not is still a topic of debate, but by incorporating them into your routine, you may experience some benefits and improvements in your cognitive abilities and physical well-being.