Primal Primer 21 (Fitness)
Homo sapien’s central nervous system (C.N.S.) has been produced by millions of years of hard earned evolution. Defined as the command center of the brain, the central nervouse system is made up of spinal cord and brain; responsible for processing information, making decisions and coordinating action. And from the categorical inputs of survival drive, environmental pressure, and resource needs, this amazing self coding wet-ware network continues to work in its complete magnificence. Sharpend by the stone wheel of learning and repetition, these seemingly instinctual movements take on a life of their own through ease of action. Thought drives action, action drives thought; a reciprocal interplay reinforcing movement and layered complexity throughout time.
Forging The Brain
Natural Selection – Hominids with more efficient nervous systems (better sensory processing, faster reflexes, & greater brain capacity) were more likely to survive and pass genes.
Brain Expansion – The brain’s Neocortex (responsible for complex thought and decision making), expanded significantly due to progressive overload and performance demand. These more neural dense brains helped early humans develop strategies for hunting and combat, enabling them to process sensory information and respond more effectively to dangers.
Sensory Perception – Sharp vision, keen hearing, and heightened smell to detect prey and predators was critical to survival. The central nervous system developed to process these inputs quickly, crucial in making split second decisions during hunts and confrontations.
Coordination & Motor Control – The C.N.S. developed global motor coordination in concert with fine motor skills to manage hunting & combat’s precise muscle control for throwing spears, aiming arrows, and tracking / escaping.
Fight & Flight Response – The central nervous system evolved mechanisms for dealing with immediate threats through the fight or flight response. When early humans encountered danger, the autonomic nervous system triggers a rush of adrenalin, speeding up heart rate, respiration, eye dilation, ultimately preparing muscles for violence of action.
Connect With Movement & Seek Balance
Connect in with your movement and seek balance. The central nervous system (C.N.S.) controls 5 senses along with movement. Can you stand on a single foot? Are you able to depart sitting on the floor without using hands? Can hand stand or cartwheel actions be option? More practically, are you protected from injury by safely catching yourself in a slip or stumble? We don’t contend that ancient cave people were cartwheeling around the savanna in search of mushrooms, but abilities to coordinate the body’s movement is an important instinct. to move however and whenever you want is an important instinct to keep sharp.
~Cave Implementation~
Single Leg Exercises – Perform single leg body weight Romanian deadlifts or single leg stands to train stability, coordination, and proprioception.
Dynamic Movements – Incorporate crab walks, lateral lunges, or more challenging cartwheels and handstands to improve balance during motion and strengthen underutilized muscle groups.
Core Focused Drills – Practice scaleable variations of planks or body isometrics, hanging knee lifts, or myriads of sit-ups movements.
Challenge Your Body’s Ability To Move, Balance, & Flow.
