RESOURCE GUIDE
9. THE BRAIN
WHY? Read this: Why every Level of Strength coach Needs to Understand the Brain by Sean Light
Books
- Deviate: The creative power of transforming your perception by Beau Lotto $11.28
- On Intelligence: How a New Understanding of the Brain Will Lead to the Creation of Truly Intelligent Machines by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakesless $15.06
WHY: The brain is not a computer. This book examines how the brain uses patterns and predictions created through memory. The book provides context for the next few resources in how we use experiences to create our structure of the world. Understanding this memory-prediction system that forms the basis of intelligence, perception, and creativity, you can start to explore emotions, neuroplasticity, hemisphere difference, sensory processing, etc.
WHY: This book explains the two systems that drive the way we think; system 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional, system 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Understanding these two systems allows you to understand biases and dogmas. The book explains how the two systems shape our judgments and decisions. You can utilize this information to help understand the behavior and biases of other professions, the dangers of speaking absolutes, and understanding client/athlete perspectives.
WHY: “A book that will show you the incredible plasticity and adaptability of the brain, a structure once believed to be relatively static and rigid once you reach a certain age… As a physical preparation professional, you need to have a functioning understanding of the brain, as it is the control center for the structural and functional adaptations you desire. It’s also important to recognize and respect the power of the brain to acquire new information, create new memories, and adapt against all odds. Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.” - Justin Moore
WHY: This book will also introduce you to the subject of neuroplasticity- the brain’s ability to change its own structure and function in response to activity and experience (written in 2016). This is an important subject to understand as it relates to behavior and physical/activity and experience feedback loops.
- How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett $26.93
WHY: Dr. Barrett explains how we construct each instance of emotion through a unique interplay of brain, body, and culture. We tend to be focused on the physical aspect of the human body in the fitness/exercise field but we create emotions within our physical bodies that are brought to consciousness by our brain. Understanding emotions is understanding the body; repressed emotions can bring chronic physical pain. Emotions run the show in sport and life.
WHY: This book is also in the movement category as it will provide knowledge regarding both the brain and movement. The book describes how humans on earth perceive and control bodily movement.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind (5th ed) by Michael Gazzaniga, Richard Ivry, & George Mangun $49.43
WHY: The book covers many topics in the area lf neuroscience, consciousness, and the brain. I highly recommend this resource to learn more about the topic of neuroscience.
- Mind in Motion: How Action Shapes Thought by Barbara Tversky $17.29
WHY: Learn more about how movement is the foundation of thought.
- Making Space: How the Brain Knows Where Things Are by Jennifer Groh $19.00
WHY: Books discusses spatial relationships, how the brain creates our senses of location, and how thinking about space may be the systems of thought itself.
WHY: “Mental models influence your behavior and perception of things. Systems thinking provides a framework for defining and solving problems. Start by paying attention to the questions you ask to practice thinking from a more systemic perspective.”
Articles
- Why every Level of Strength coach Needs to Understand the Brain by Sean Light
- An Athlete's Relationship with an Exercise Environment via Afferentation and Energy by Michelle Boland
Podcasts
- The Joe Rogan Experience #1109 with Dr. Matthew Walker
WHY: Dr. Walker is a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and is the author of “Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.” Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.” Understanding sleep can help you understand the brain in which sleep may be an allostatic system to restore the homeostatic system of ATP/ADP ratios in the brain. The role of glia cells should also be explored. The podcast explains how sleep is the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Dr. Walkers book is, “a digestible introduction into sleep science with Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley Matthew Walker, and an eye-opening lesson in just how powerful sleep can be…All physical preparation coaches should be equipped with a basic knowledge of sleep science and have the ability to give clients simple advice and lifestyle modifications to improve sleep if they truly want to optimize human health and performance. This is a great place to begin if you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating science of sleep.” - Justin Moore
SUB-CATEGORY: AUTONOMICS
Articles
Books
WHY: You should complete a road map for the brain, stress & human history, and even behavior before this book. You will need to have a solid foundation before even considering this as a resource. Porges will explore neurophysiology in depth and it can be helpful in understanding human behavior and training concepts.
WHY: This book provides information how the autonomic nervous system controls the body, particularly in response to stress. As a ‘primer’ is it easily readable, digestible, and in an accessible format.
WHY: A comprehensive textbook for health professionals who are interested in a deeper approach to the Autonomic Nervous System.
- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk $10.88
WHY: Dr. van der Kolk provides powerful knowledge about the brain’s natural neuroplasticity and connection between body and brain. Trauma is a fact of life and can reshape our body and brain. Autonomics play an impact part of how we experience trauma and respond to it. This book will definitely combine the subjects of brain, behavior, and autonomics.
