Memorizing the form

Everyone memorize things at different speed using different means. I have talked about this topic in the past.

In the martialgym for seniors class, the participants are often challenged with remembering what they have learnt. Therefore, I don’t even attempt to teach the basic form it is too complex if the goal is for health, functional fitness and ‘fall preparation’. Here are some of the things I did to help them remember what they have learnt:

• The entire set of daily warmup/exercise has been simplified into 3 target areas. So instead of remembering 30-40 standalone movements with a rigid sequence, they only have to remember what they need to work on. With reduced complexity and more repetitions, we have a much better chance have remembering the 3 target areas and therefore what to do.
• Encourage mindfulness (awareness) – it is much easier to remember something when it is yours. The only way to make a movement yours is to understand AND to feel through the motion. If you are simply trying to imitate, you will be obsessed with details that are simply not crutial. For example, should it be left foot first or right foot first, which way should I face, where should I look?
• Meaningful repetitions in different situations – the exercises are so adaptable that you can even do it while lying down. Home practice test your memory and force you to adapt to the situation. The more you think and try, the more it is yours!
• Short notes and keywords. These hints are then glued to the back of a postcard so that they can easily pin it to the fridge.
• Make movements relevant and purposeful – a lot of seniors can relate to chronic pains at hip, lower back, neck and shoulders. They also understand the threat of falls. Knowing the “what and why”s give purpose to the exercises.

Exercise
Our so called basic form is not basic at all. 😉 Many of you will be stuck if I ask you to perform it on your own. What is stopping you from making it yours? Thinking back, what worked best for you in terms of memorizing the form? Do you feel you are progressing?