Key Z Health R Phase Review Concept #6:
Optimal Motor Learning

While there are many different theories on motor learning (how do you learn to do a new task such as a deadlift, catch a ball, fly at kite, etc), it can be split up roughly into 3 stages based on the number of reps

The 3 Stages are

1 )Cognitive (1-1,000 reps)

2) Associative (1,000 to 100,000 reps)

3) Autonomous (100,0000 to 300,000 reps)

(editor’s note, I updated the reps on autonous after more research and talking with Dr. Cobb, the numbers are very hard to nail down exactly in research and are our best guess)

When you first learn a brand new task you are in the cognitive stage since you have to think very hard about it.

After about 1,000 reps you are starting to get a handle on the movement, but it still requires some thought.

After about 100,000 reps, you are getting into the autonomous stage (think automatic) where you have very little to none conscious thought.

For Tiger Woods to hit a golf ball is in the autonomous realm.  Walking is an autonomous motion for everyone other than very young kids. You are a professional walker and you don’t have to think “ok, here I go, right foot in front, point the foot……” You just walk without much thought!

The goal initially is to get to the autonomous stage based on GOOD patterns.

“When you practice something ‘wrong’ you get really really good at the ‘wrong’ thing.

The longer you practice failure, the harder it becomes to recognize success.

Be careful what you practice, you may get really good at the wrong thing!”

–Tony Blauer

(Thanks to Frankie for sending that one to me)

Summary

Make sure you are doing perfect practice and get your reps in (practice).

Rock on

Mike T Nelson

Tiger Fans!