There are several reasons why people do these exercises: It’s worth noting that some of the Brain Gym movements have been incorporated into interventions that have shown to be effective, such as the Learning Breaks program.ĭespite the lack of scientific evidence, Brain Gym exercises have become popular among educators and parents. However, some researchers point out that the study had several limitations, such as a small sample size and inadequate measure of cognitive function. One study that aimed to determine the effects of Brain Gym on math performance found no significant difference between the group that did Brain Gym and the control group that did the regular physical exercise. Although the idea of using movement to enhance cognition is grounded in neuroscience, the empirical research that examines Brain Gym specifically is limited and inconclusive. While the anecdotes and claims of some people suggest that it does, scientific evidence is insufficient. The question of whether Brain Gym exercises work or not is a topic of debate. Examples include the “Cross-Crawl” where you march and touch your opposite elbow to your knee. The lengthening activities help develop flexibility, posture, and balance. Examples include the “Brain Buttons” where you cross your arms and touch your fingers to the middle of your forehead and massage the area. The energy exercises help increase energy levels, circulation, and coordination. For instance, the “Cupid’s Bow” movement is where you touch your right elbow to your left knee while looking at the ceiling and then switch.

The midline movements help activate the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Paul Dennison and Gail Dennison, target the neural pathways and muscles that coordinate eye movement, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and auditory processing.īrain Gym exercises consist of 26 movements or activities that are organized into three categories: The goal of these exercises is to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, focus, and processing speed. Before we dive into what it is, its benefits, and whether it works or not, let’s first define what Brain Gym is.īrain Gym is a simple but effective set of movements that promote brain-body connection. One of the methods that emerged is Brain Gym exercises. For years, educators and cognitive experts have been searching for ways to improve the brain’s function.

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