I think we can all agree that movement is an incredibly important component of health. I advocate the Z-Health Performance System’s style of training because it provides a simple path for improving athletic movement (and therefore health) and is designed around the way human’s learn most efficiently.

While this path is simple, it is occasionally confused. The wiring in our brains allows for an (almost) infinite number of connections between neurons; while this is idea of infinite possibilities is exciting, it may also lead to difficulty in practically applying some of Z-Health’s lessons.

I have experienced and witnessed many of these difficulties; I would like to share with you some of the reasons (in no particular order) why Z-Health doesn’t work:

Reason # 3: Z-Health does not work if you blame your plateaus on the system.

To me, the most exciting things about human neurology, and human physiology, is that we have the capacity to change or remodel, at any point in our lives. We are, quite literally, learning machines; and our bodies and minds are always adapting the the stimuli and environments that we present to them.

Our ability to change and adapt is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, at times, our “wiring” can also be a bit frustrating. Why? Because the things we do often become habit and begin to happen automatically. Once we’ve learned something, and done it enough, we go on autopilot.

“First we make our habits, then they create us.” – John Dryden

Neuroplasticity can be frustrating, because it means YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CURRENT SITUATION.

Neuroplasticity is a “scientific buzzword” at the moment. Brain imaging machines show that our brains react to everything we encounter, every movement, thought & feeling, has a representation in our brains. Each of us react slightly differently based on our learned experiences and automatic patterns, and the patterns we utilize most get strengthened. Z-Health is founded on Neuroplasticity. What you do most, becomes habit and happens pre-cognitively (without conscious thought), as you continually practice these patterns they become strengthened in the brain, take up more brain real estate, and your body changes to encouraged the continual practice of those patterns.

Z-Health has a saying that sums up Neuroplasticity nicely:

“The body you currently have, is the one you’ve EARNED, by the way that you move”

Sometimes accountability stings…

But it is also extremely empowering, because you also have the capacity to change. You have the capacity to learn and cultivate the skills you desire, and destroy those you do not. That is what Z-Health is really all about.

Freedom is possible… If you stay committed to your practice.

If you get injured, if you get defeated, if you fall, if you fail…

If you have pain, weakness, stiffness…

If you do not look they way you want, or have the habits to support the lifestyle you want…

That problem stems from a gap in your training. You missed something.

If you have arrived at a plateau, or feel like you’ve had a setback, be thankful; you are lucky. You are at a spot where you can re-examine your practice; you have an opportunity to fill in a gap, an opportunity to learn and deepen your practice.

Plateaus are not to be avoided, but to be embraced.

At its very essence, Z-Health is a users manual, for YOUR nervous system. If it is not working, YOU are missing something, it was in the manual.

How do you deal with plateaus?

Do you get discouraged?

How does that affect your learning and performance?

Who or what do you rely on to help you endure plateaus, or break through to the next summit?