What is the "Position Of Confidence" (POC)? The POC is the very first position, or stance that I ask folks to try in Balance University, so that I can evaluate just how well, or poor, their balance may be. The Split Stance, or known as "SS" in the Balance University program, is a great and safe way to introduce proprioception to a client. Proprioception is a fancy term for "stable, but unstable environment". So, if I stand on one foot, for many of us, that means that we will be a bit stable but mostly unstable in that particular position. Proprioception is a key element to improving balance because it introduces the EXACT environment that enables better balance. If you stand in the SS position, you may notice that your feet are wiggling side to side, as if you are standing on a block of ice trying to balance. Believe it or not, this is a good thing! However, please understand that we are all at different levels and the SS may not present much of a challenge to few, however, it can be quite the challenge to most. Those of you that are not challenged much SS position, then try standing on one foot. Even the most athletic folks must work a bit to stand on one foot whether they admit or not.
The point of focus with the POC position is to find that point in the SS that you feel 95%-100% confident that you will NOT fall. This position will look different for everyone. Some folks will have their feet really close, as though they are standing with their feet side by side. Others may be able to move their feet further apart and have them placed more narrow to create the POC. Why is this important? The POC will become a reference point as we move through the BU program and create the beginning of better balance, mobility and independence.
The point of focus with the POC position is to find that point in the SS that you feel 95%-100% confident that you will NOT fall. This position will look different for everyone. Some folks will have their feet really close, as though they are standing with their feet side by side. Others may be able to move their feet further apart and have them placed more narrow to create the POC. Why is this important? The POC will become a reference point as we move through the BU program and create the beginning of better balance, mobility and independence.
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Tim Tebow is a great example as to how the POC will improve your confidence and balance. Tim is a phenomenal athlete and quarterback. Did you know that only .1% of all football players that play football in high school will become professional football players and play in the NFL. One of the main reasons Tim Tebow is not playing Quarterback in the NFL is because of how long it takes him to get the ball out of his hand and throw the football. If you will look at the pictures above, you will see the difference between Tim's motion and how low he drops his arm. Then take a look at Aaron Rodgers and how low Aaron's arm is located during the throwing motion. The differences may be subtle to some, however, in the game of football, seconds and inches can mean the difference between being open as a receiver or a being covered by a defender or defensive back.
How many time do you think Tim Tebow has thrown a football this way?
When Tim sees an open receiver and wants to throw the football to them, do you think he is thinking, "elbow up, move arm back, drop arm, take a step back with the left foot, uh oh.... here comes a 367lb. lineman to tackle me!... RUN... ok... get set, drop arm, thumbs under.... etc." ABSOLUTELY not! Here's what happens, Tim sees an open receiver and he fires away! In order for this to happen, the CEO (brain) receives a message from his eyes that tells him to flip the "throw the ball NOW switch". This "switch" activates a series of muscle contractions from the feet, neck, shoulder, arm, core and legs that allows Tim to throw the ball without thinking about contracting each of those muscles individually. In other words, Tim is not focused on his throwing motion, he is focused on making a determination on which receiver he should throw it too!
Why?
Tim has thrown the ball this way his entire life and he has been able to develop and create a pattern or "button" for the CEO (brain). He has created muscle memory that allows his CEO (brain) to flip a switch and the symphony of muscle contractions begins without much thought. So, how many times would Tim need to throw the ball correctly in order to change his muscle memory and motion to mimick Aaron Rodgers motion and get the ball out of his hand much more quickly?
The answer:
Tim would need to throw the ball correctly as many times as he has thrown the ball incorrectly, to get it right and establish a new pattern and "button" for the CEO to press.
The only way to improve one's balance is through consistent and repetitive work in proprioceptive environments just like the POC. Balance University teaches it's students the correct way to establish neuromuscular efficiency and the correct patterns needed to create better balance. There is not a secret movement or "magical" exercise, however, there is certainly a right order to the exercises needed to create a more balanced and independent person.
I want to prevent folks from falling, better known as "fall prevention", rather than deal with the repurcussions that follow like hospital and doctor visits!
How many time do you think Tim Tebow has thrown a football this way?
When Tim sees an open receiver and wants to throw the football to them, do you think he is thinking, "elbow up, move arm back, drop arm, take a step back with the left foot, uh oh.... here comes a 367lb. lineman to tackle me!... RUN... ok... get set, drop arm, thumbs under.... etc." ABSOLUTELY not! Here's what happens, Tim sees an open receiver and he fires away! In order for this to happen, the CEO (brain) receives a message from his eyes that tells him to flip the "throw the ball NOW switch". This "switch" activates a series of muscle contractions from the feet, neck, shoulder, arm, core and legs that allows Tim to throw the ball without thinking about contracting each of those muscles individually. In other words, Tim is not focused on his throwing motion, he is focused on making a determination on which receiver he should throw it too!
Why?
Tim has thrown the ball this way his entire life and he has been able to develop and create a pattern or "button" for the CEO (brain). He has created muscle memory that allows his CEO (brain) to flip a switch and the symphony of muscle contractions begins without much thought. So, how many times would Tim need to throw the ball correctly in order to change his muscle memory and motion to mimick Aaron Rodgers motion and get the ball out of his hand much more quickly?
The answer:
Tim would need to throw the ball correctly as many times as he has thrown the ball incorrectly, to get it right and establish a new pattern and "button" for the CEO to press.
The only way to improve one's balance is through consistent and repetitive work in proprioceptive environments just like the POC. Balance University teaches it's students the correct way to establish neuromuscular efficiency and the correct patterns needed to create better balance. There is not a secret movement or "magical" exercise, however, there is certainly a right order to the exercises needed to create a more balanced and independent person.
I want to prevent folks from falling, better known as "fall prevention", rather than deal with the repurcussions that follow like hospital and doctor visits!
