Not all cognitive agility requires you to run around. Sometimes depending on your ability you may need to make it a little easier on the body while still keeping the exercise challenging for the mind. To show an example of this, we can do the brain training drill in-place. In-place cognitive agility is particularly useful if you are concerned with falling or are at a higher fall risk. In-place cognitive agility is also a good choice when you don’t have a lot of room to move around. Just because you aren’t running around doesn’t mean that this kind of brain training is easy.
As you may remember that cognitive agility is when we combine a physical challenge (balancing, moving, etc) with a cognitive load (executive function, processing speed, attention, or memory). It’s one of the best things you should be doing as an older adult. In fact, I would go so far as to say if you are looking for or already engaged in a senior fitness program and it doesn’t include cognitive agility-you should look elsewhere-it’s THAT important.
In-Place Cognitive Agility (4 cones, in-place)
Here we have our rockstar client, Margo, demonstrating how to do in-place cognitive agility.
The video doesn’t really pick up what is happening.
There are 4 cones in front of the client. We’ve designated each cone to a suit of a deck of cards. One cone is hearts, another one is clubs, etc. We go over which cone represents which card. When that suit is drawn you must tap your foot to the corresponding cone. The goal is to get through as many cards as you can in a pre-determined time. We usually go with 30 seconds.
The great thing about this is that you don’t need someone else. Obviously it’s hard/impossible to challenge your reaction time/processing speed if you are thinking of the cone you want to move to. Using a simple deck of cards brings in the unknown element you need to truly challenge this aspect of your cognition.
You can hear the laughter-probably because this drill becomes 52 card pick up for me afterwards. When done right cognitive agility will give you a physical workout, a mental workout and increase your engagement and enjoyment!
Just another example of ways to train your brain and body with little to no space or equipment.
