What are our 8 Senses?
We have commonly learned about our 5 senses, but did you know we have 8 senses? The 3 in question help recognize our internal system signals, feel our body move in space, and balance. May I introduce interoception, proprioception, and the vestibular sense? These 3 play a major role in my training with Kylates Fitness members. The development of all 3 of these senses can make a huge difference in movement performance and quality of life.
Interoception
This sense is the real deal! Interoception is “feeling the feels” as the head researcher, Kelly Mahler, calls it. This sense is in charge of letting you know how the systems of your body feel. That can be the GI tract, heart, lungs, muscles, etc. Some common sensory questions are… Are you hungry? Bloated? Achy?
Interoception plays a major role in our self-regulation, mental health, and social connection. Mindfulness exercises have been found to be an effective, evidence-based practice which improves interoceptive awareness.
Proprioception
The easiest way to explain proprioception is: your ability to recoginize where your body is in space. With this sense, we are able to tell where a limb has been placed, if the joints are able to take load in that position, and if movement is possible. This sense is a major contributor to safe form in the gym.
Proprioception can be inhibited by braces, shoes, or other devices which limit our need to use this sense. That does not mean you need to eliminate such devices, it just means you need to be aware of the need for variation. Physical training is the most effective way in developing proprioception.
Vestibular Sense
This sense helps to keep us upright and steady when we perform proprioception or have to compensate for quick change in position. It is how we sense spatial awareness, and balance. This sense comes from the inner ear and is affected by head position.
Having a hyper or hypo sensitive vestibular sense can affect balance, postural awareness, eye movement, and even alertness. A common intervention to enhance the vestibular sense is physical training.
Those are the 3 less know senses! Let’s not forget to at least recognize the other 5 senses.
To work on enhancing these senses, check out Telefitness and Telenutrition with Kylie!
