Hardware vs. software (Downhill Skiing as an example)Here is an analogy that we have entertained our little minds with.
Think of your skiing equipment, skis, boots, poles, bindings etc as the hardware, just like in the world of computers. Hardware is the machinery that makes the operations possible, but it is useless without software. Think of your skiing technique as the software that enables the machinery to function and optimize its capacity.
Sometimes we upload a little bit too much technical information in our brains and the actual skiing movement easily becomes slightly awkward, slow or just unnatural, just like with our computers. More programs in the system is not always a guarantee of performance, speed and function.
Maybe more often we have the latest hardware, the equipment, but we are unable to utilize them due to gaps in our technique. More advanced skis require often require more from the software. Correct me if I am wrong.
I feel like our bodies are the same way. We have got the hardware; muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments etc. This is what we are often interested in improving – stronger (bigger?) muscles and more durable connective tissue. This is an important goal and exercise can certainly improve this area. When strong and durable hardware carries functional software, we have a combination that produces athletic and efficient movement.
A lot of the traditional weight lifting, bodybuilding and fitness training have been heavily based on building the hardware of the movement machinery. So then how do I upgrade my software to compliment my high performance hardware?
We think of functional movements as programs that you can upload into your physiology in order to make physical activity more efficient and safe. This has to do a lot with the neurological components of the movement machinery. When the software in the brain and in the neurological system is communicating well with the hardware, the movement reaches its optimal potential.
“Traditional” training methods, Functional training, Motor skill enhancement, Movement skill training etc. can help the body to produce combination where the best possible performance can occur with the least amount of damage to the body.
Just random thoughts….Have a victorious day!
Tommi
PS: Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done. Andy Rooney.
