Staying Mentally Sharp Through Choreographed Movements





What makes people stay mentally sharp as they age?Performing aerobics or resistance training helps. To my surprise, practicing choreographed movements is better. They are mind-body activities with complex movements, like in dance or in the martial arts. Why are they better? I’ve practiced martial arts since 1980. Yet, I did not realize the positive cognitive impact of the martial arts until recovering from open-heart surgery last year.How does practicing choreographed movements help? The answer is key for designing a personal exercise program. And, it is crucial for older adults who need to maintain their cognitive abilities.Each week, I lead a martial arts session where we practice up to 16 forms. Why spend time on forms? Besides providing aerobic exercise, they help you learn and practice techniques. Forms improve muscle memory and abilities, no matter your level of experience.It also feels great executing the movements. It is a moving mediation. I enjoy watching my body move as if I were someone else. It feels like the moves are in my muscles. I am often so focused on the present that I don’t know what my three moves ahead will be until I perform them.Yet, there is another reason for practicing forms and other complex, choreographed movements. Martial arts and dance can improve cognitive abilities, even in older adults.