Yuka Sugiura & Nikki Bybee

Performance Rewired

A Life Sciences , Science and Arts podcast

#73 in Life Sciences · 🇿🇦 #96 in Life Sciences · 🇨🇦

About the show

Performance Rewired is a podcast for movement experts ready to challenge everything they’ve been taught about learning movement and tap into a brain-based approach to performance. For dancers, gymnasts, artistic athletes, instructors, and coaches who want to understand what’s really behind elite performance. Hosted by Nikki Bybee and Yuka Sugiura, master neuro trainers and performance coaches.

Newest episodes

Episode 17: What We Know About Your Brain Through Your Movement

Nov 11, 2026 29 min

In this episode of Performance Rewired, we explore what posture and movement can reveal about brain function, and why the same posture cue may not lead to lasting change. We talk about how walking patterns, including uneven arm swing or trunk rotation, can offer clues about movement and balance. We share how small imbalances can affect how efficiently we move over time, how the brain helps regulate movement and posture, and why neural assessment can help distinguish neurological influences from structural limitations. We also discuss the spinocerebellum’s role in posture and why a single approach won’t fit everyone, especially when structural restrictions are involved. Key topics Posture can reveal insights about brain function.Compensatory movements can create the illusion of good movementThe brain plays a significant role in regulating posture.Time stamps 03:19 - Introducing the episode: what posture can reveal about brain function05:51 - How the brain regulates posture and movement06:20 - Running patterns and asymmetries in elite athletes07:50 - Gait as a possible indicator of brain function09:50 - Brain feedback loops, muscle tone, and assessing posture11:47 - Practical applications and drills for improvement15:08 - Benefit of individual assessments and customized approaches17:48 - The illusion of correct postureResources & Links Want to try a Vertical Smooth Pursuit? View a demo here. Connect with us Yuka-IG: @levelupneuroNikki-IG: @bybee_nikkiSign up for newsletters for updates on courses and resources Transformation NewsletterLevelUp Newsletter

Episode 16: Input vs. Output - Selecting Better Input Improves Performance

Oct 28, 2026 27 min

We explore how the nervous system processes sensory inputs and turns it into movement, and how targeted changes to those inputs can affect performance. Follow along as we discuss assessments and training approaches involving vision, vestibular function, proprioception, attention, and context. Key topics How sensory input influences movement and performanceWhy vision, vestibular function, and proprioception are common assessment areasHow attention, thoughts, and environmental cues can affect performanceHow assessments help practitioners choose targeted drillsWhy the right exercise, dosage, and progression matterTimestamps 00:39 Welcome and introducing input and output 03:27 How the nervous system interprets sensory information 05:00 Assessing vision, vestibular function, and proprioception 11:40 Using assessments to find inputs that affect performance and build resilience 19:17 Making visual skills relevant to performance 21:14 Using targeted input to influence movement over time 22:37 Why addressing the nervous system may be more efficient than repeating a skill Resources & Links Want to shift input? Try a drill from our YouTube Channel. Connect with us Yuka-IG: @levelupneuroNikki-IG: @bybee_nikkiSign up for newsletters for updates on courses and resources Transformation NewsletterLevelUp Newsletter

Episode 15: Why We Don't Use BOSU Balls in Training

Oct 14, 2026 24 min

In this episode we break down why BOSU balls and foam pads are not the best tools for improving balance, ankle proprioception, or athletic stability. There's a difference between training on unstable surfaces and training for the actual demands of performance, and we share examples from dancers, gymnasts, and other movers. Yuka walks through a study on ankle proprioception and unstable surfaces, while Nikki adds practical coaching context from dance training and foot tripod mechanics. Together, we clarify that balance work should match the environment and task the athlete actually needs to perform. Key Topics Why BOSU balls often train a different balance strategy than the one athlete actually needWhen the floor is unstable, the nervous system reweights balance inputs away from the ankle and toward other strategiesYuka shares her preferred ankle stability drillNikki emphasizes tripod foot contact at the heel, first metatarsal, and fifth metatarsal as the foundation for force and stabilityA practical takeaway that training should match the surfaceTimestamps 0:00 Cold open and welcome to Performance Rewired0:38 Why we don’t use BOSU balls: What to expect from the episode5:05 Why head movement matters for improving balance6:30 - The study: Ankle proprioception is not targeted by exercises on an unstable surface14:10 Why force production is not enhanced on BOSU or foam and a drill you can do instead19:37 Managing the tripod of the foot, the sensory pronation drill, and closing thoughtsResources & Links Ankle proprioception is not targeted by exercises on an unstable surfaceSensory Pronation DrillConnect with us Yuka-IG: @levelupneuroNikki-IG: @bybee_nikkiFor practical drills and movement strategies, check out our YouTube Channel. Sign up for newsletters for updates on courses and resources Transformation NewsletterLevelUp Newsletter

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All episodes

Episode 17: What We Know About Your Brain Through Your Movement

Nov 11, 2026 29 min

Episode 16: Input vs. Output - Selecting Better Input Improves Performance

Oct 28, 2026 27 min

Episode 15: Why We Don't Use BOSU Balls in Training

Oct 14, 2026 24 min

Episode 14: Building Resilience to Enhance Performance

Sep 30, 2026 30 min

We explore what resilience means in elite performance and how small movement patterns can reveal opportunities to build capacity. We discuss why resilience involves both the body and the mind, from adapting to physical challenges to staying open to feedback and unexpected changes. Key topics In this episode, we discuss how resilience can help athletes and artists perform at higher level, even when conditions or physical patterns aren’t ideal.Why examining subtle movement patterns can help identify opportunities for growth, rather than labeling movement as simply good or bad.How elite performers can still have small deficits or “glitches” in their systems, and how addressing the right one may improve performance.How movement analysis can be mistaken for criticism, and why curiosity and openness to feedback can help performers make progress.How sticking to the same routines, locations, or equipment can limit adaptability when competition conditions change.Building resilience through safe, intentional disruptions in practice or interrupting a familiar routine.Techniques for nervous system regulationTimestamps 00:00 - Opening the conversation and introducing resilience03:16 - Why resilience matters in performance04:14 - Looking at movement patterns, not just facial expression05:21 - Finding the small challenge that could build capacity06:22 - Visual, vestibular, and movement-system inputs09:40 - Usain Bolt as an example in a discussion of physical resilience12:38 - Why elite performers may still have areas to explore15:38 - Simone Biles, pressure, and performance challenges17:38 - Breaking down movement without labeling it good or bad20:33 - Resilience in viewpoint and openness to feedback21:20 - Why top performers are willing to show where they’re struggling24:12 - Flexibility, plasticity, and getting out of a fixed routine26:31 - Practicing resilience through intentional disruption27:24 - The horse example: safely building tolerance for unexpected events29:27 - Practi...

Episode 13: Seeing Clearly - Why 20/20 Vision Is Not the Whole Story for Dancers and Gymnasts

Sep 16, 2026 30 min

In Episode 13 we dig into the difference between static vision and the kind of visual control athletes actually need in motion. We focus on how vision, vestibular input, and body position affect spotting, turning, landing, and overall performance in dance and gymnastics. In this episode, we also share a practical drill progression for training visual acuity under movement, plus a few real-world coaching observations from the studio and the gym. Key topics 20/20 vision only measures static acuityWhy motion changes what your eyes can doSigns vision may be limiting performancePlyometrics as a cross-training lesson in force and foot contactWhy a nervous system approach can outperform biomechanical cueingVision, vestibular, and proprioception have a hierarchyA simple drill to assess and train dynamic visual acuityTime stamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:28 - Life updates 04:37 - Ballet jumps, thuds, and why foot stiffness matters 06:11 - Applying plyometrics to a gymnast’s switch leap 07:15 - Why 20/20 vision does not explain performance vision 07:32 - What static visual acuity actually measures 09:01 - Spotting, tumbling, and why movement changes vision 10:23 - Testing static acuity beyond the standard eye exam 11:52 - Head, neck, and shoulder position affecting vision 14:25 - Why dynamic acuity matters for athletes in motion 15:46 - Signs the nervous system is not getting enough visual data 17:09 - Fake spotting, dizziness, headaches, and inconsistent skills 20:17 - Athletes may not notice their vision is bouncing or blurry 21:13 - Introducing the VOR drill for visual training 22:14 - How to dose the drill and reassess performance 23:10 - Progressing the drill into sport specific positions 24:27 - Building resilience with unfamiliar body positions 25:25 - Why dancers need real spotting practice, not just cues 27:42 - Why visual training improved turns faster than biomechanics 29:20 - The vision, vestibular, proprioception hierarchy 30:18 - Closing takeaways and why better v...

Epsiode 12: Built to Rotate: Reflexes Behind Turns, Spins, Flips, and Rotational Performance

Sep 2, 2026 38 min

In this episode, we are breaking down some reflex systems that quietly shape balance, spotting, and rotational control in dance and gymnastics. The focus is on how the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems work together, and why performance issues like chin drop, bobblehead movement, and unstable turns may be tied to reflexive responses rather than just technique. This glimpse into the neural is especially useful for coaches and athletes who want a more complete view of rotation, head control, and why some movement problems do not respond to the usual biomechanical cues. It also includes practical signs to look for in training and a few ways to think about neck and sensory system prep differently. Key topics • In this episode, we discuss why balance depends on three inputs - vision, somatosensory or proprioceptive input, and the vestibular system. • This is also a dive into the vestibulospinal reflex, the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the vestibulocollic reflex, and the cervical colic reflex as key systems behind upright posture, gaze stability, and head control. • Nikki shares how dropping the chin in pirouettes can be a reflexive safety response, not just a technical error. • Yuka explains how the vestibulo-ocular reflex helps keep the eyes stable during spotting in flips, turns, and spins. • We describe the vestibulocollic reflex as a major factor in keeping the head upright during running, vaulting, and other high-speed movement tasks. • Yuka shares the cervical colic reflex as a proprioceptive system driven by the neck muscles, especially the suboccipital muscles, which are extremely sensitive to motion. • They point out common clues in dancers and gymnasts, including chin tucking, head tilting, excess neck tension, trouble spotting, and unstable head position. • Both hosts emphasize that these reflexes are trainable and worth assessing in high-performance athletes. Timestamps 03:24 - Why rotational athletes need head stability and gaze control 04:49 - The...

Episode 11: The Unintended Consequences of Corrections that Gymnastics Coaches and Dance Instructors Say

Aug 19, 2026 40 min

In this episode, we unpack common coaching cues that sound helpful in dance and gymnastics but can create confusion, tension, and even body-related insecurity. We discuss how the nervous system prioritizes safety over performance, and how that changes the way corrections could be given. When we replace vague or body-part-heavy cues with clearer, more effective language that supports learning without increasing threat, we get better results. Key topics This episode was inspired by a post by Shane Wuerthner @athletistry. We explore corrections that dancers and gymnasts hear constantly but may not understand, and why that gap matters for performance and confidence.We explain why “performance comes after safety” and how the nervous system will always choose stability over compliance with a cue.You’ll hear a break down the problems with cues like “tuck your butt,” including how they can create extra tension in the pelvis and make students feel like their bodies are wrong.The problem with the common “ribs in” correction and why rib-cage cues often fail when the athlete does not have enough proprioceptive awareness of the area or has to manage respiration and spinal position at the same time.We contrast internal-body cues with external-focus imagery, using examples like “monster mouth” for rib alignment and tape imagery for handstand shape.There is also an explanation why “lower your shoulders” can be frustrating, especially when the athlete is already trying to manage arm position, neck tension, and shoulder-rib spacing.We dig into the problem with naming muscles or anatomy that the athlete does not understand, such as “use your lats,” “pull up your quads,” or “connect your hamstrings to your sit bones.”Nikki emphasizes that a lot of these cues can trigger anxiety, scanning, and maladaptive perfectionism, especially in dancers who already feel pressure to monitor every detail.We unpack the cue “lift from under the leg” and explain why joint position, pelvicavailability, a...

Episode 10: The Neuroscience of Corrections and Movement Safety

Aug 5, 2026 35 min

Discover how neural inputs, safety mechanisms, and sensory feedback influence corrections in dance and gymnastics, and learn practical strategies to optimize performance by rewiring the brain and body. Key Topics The role of corrections in dance and gymnastics and how they affect performanceWhy some athletes need fewer corrections due to neural safety and neural inputHow safety mechanisms, like eye convergence and body awareness, influence movement correctionThe importance of neural wiring and sensory input for efficient, fluid movementExternal focus techniques, imagery, and environment adjustments to enhance learningThe significance of body-wide interconnectedness, including foot and hand neural couplingPractical drills to improve foot awareness, alignment, and sensory feedbackUnderstanding foot anatomy, the 'tripod' concept, and implications for aesthetic and functional movementStrategies for managing tension, absorption, and safety in landings and complex skillsTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction to corrections and their intrinsic role in dance and gymnastics 00:32 - Life updates 01:03 - The core reason behind corrections: neural safety and the body's protective mechanisms 01:54 - How body structure influences correction needs and performance 03:19 - The impact of safety on movement, including eye convergence and neural wiring 04:30 - The path of least resistance in movement and how neural input shapes correction 05:27 - Why deep neural rewiring is essential for optimal performance 06:49 - Common movement resistance caused by neural safety zones 07:45 - How safety behaviors, like closing eyes or avoiding corrections, develop 09:44 - Cognitive reserves and their impact on reflexive versus voluntary movement 11:09 - The significance of accurate sensory input from the feet for safety and performance 12:38 - How neural disconnection affects balance, alignment, and movement quality 14:18 - The importance of absorption in landings and how to train for softer, safer landin...

Episode 9 - Understanding the Crucial Role of Feet in Movement, Safety, and Performance

Jul 22, 2026 37 min

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked importance of foot function in dance and gymnastics, emphasizing sensory feedback, biomechanics, and training techniques to improve connection to the ground. Whether you're a performer or coach, gain insights on how foot awareness can transform movement quality and safety. Key Topics The feet as primary sensory tools critical for safety and movement controlThe feedback loop between feet and brain: How sensory input influences gait, posture, and powerThe anatomy of the foot: 26 bones, joints, muscles, and its complexityThe concept of the tripod foot: Its shape, significance, and how proper contact points enhance controlHow to recognize and correct improper foot engagement in dancers and gymnastsThe impact of footwear and technique on foot sensory input and functionConnection between foot alignment and overall body posture, with practical exercisesInterrelationship between hands, feet known as interlimb neural couplingDrills to improve proprioception and internal rotation via sensory feedbackThe importance of barefoot training and reducing compressive footwear for better foot healthTips for assessing and enhancing foot sensation in daily and training routinesTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction: The importance of foot awareness in movement 00:42 - How the feet influence posture, safety, and performance 03:35 - Exploring the main focus: foot feedback loop and biomechanical control 05:07 - Recognizing momentum generation through the foot: lurching vs tripod grounding 06:31 - Aesthetic considerations in gymnastics and the importance of foot points 08:48 - Defining the tripod foot: contact points and misconceptions in training 11:13 - Using the tripod concept to improve ground engagement and reduce tension 12:10 - Sensory input, safety, and the brain's representation of the feet 14:18 - The importance of landing softly and absorbing shock effectively 17:15 - The anatomy of the foot: bones, joints, and neural significance 19:00...

Episode 8 - How We Approach Neuro Training Program Design for Dancers and Gymnasts

Jul 8, 2026 33 min

In this episode, we talk about the perception of neuro training as brain ‘tricks’ and discuss how it's a process and approach that creates changes in the brain to improve physical performance for the long-run. We share recent experiences from workshops and clinics and the process behind designing and refining programs for groups and individuals. Key topics Why neuro training should be part of the beginning of every movement sessionTranslating workshop “tricks” into long-term training How an Assess - Reassess process helps athletes track what actually worksIndividualized protocols and why some athletes respond differentlyUsing neuro training as a warm-up for the nervous system, not just the musclesPain, safety, and how the brain can create protective responses that inhibit movementTimestamps 1:20 - How Nikki creates accountability for dancers in her workshops02:08 - We’re rewiring the brain in order to create changes in how it drives movement, not doing a series of brain “tricks”05:35 - The Assess - Reassess process as a method to select drills, and how to reinforce the learning process with athletes, dancers and coaches07:37 - The benefit of coaches and instructors understanding the approach and process09:05 - Why neurotraining works best when integrated into daily practice, classes or rehearsals09:53 - The process of introducing and adjusting drills in group settings11:20 - How body position plays a role in the outcome of a drill and the importance of gradually introducing complexity13:13 - How a simple positional change could create a negative or positive result from a drill14:30 - Challenges of introducing neuro training to a group that will respond to drills differently 15:47 - The power of individualized protocols and the optimal frequency for the best results16:25 - An example of neuro training improving a professional athlete’s performance and longevity19:20 - Why warming up and performance improvements benefit from solutions beyond solely biomechanical ones ...

Episode 7 - Why Elite Dancers and Gymnasts Need Elite Levels of Proprioception

Jun 24, 2026 32 min

In this episode of Performance Rewired, we dive into the essential role of proprioception in athletic and artistic performance, exploring how elite performers might still have gaps in their sensory awareness and how to optimize this critical system. We share insights from our coaching experiences as well as practical exercises to improve proprioceptive capacity. Key Topics: The importance of having high-levels of proprioceptive awareness for elite athletes, dancers, and gymnastsHow injuries and repetitive patterns can limit proprioceptive acuityExercises to enhance proprioceptive awareness, including two-point discrimination and graphesthesiaThe impacts of sensory reweighting, like an overreliance on visual inputs to understand where you are in spaceThe role of sensory mapping in injury recovery and movementTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to proprioception and its relevance for performance 00:27 - Common misconceptions about elite proprioception levels 01:23 - Life updates 03:54 - Observations from coaching diverse groups and managing threshold points in the course of a class 04:51 - How having a neural lens aids in calibrating performance level changes during a class 08:39 - The hierarchy of systems that drive movement and where proprioception falls in that hierarchy 09:10 - Proprioception defined 09:44 - Why high performers need high-definition 3D brain-body maps 10:02 - How injuries and repetitive patterns can lead to gaps in proprioceptive maps 11:00 - Clues pointing to proprioceptive deficits and cases of intentionally ignoring information from the limbs13:17 - Sensory reweighting: Reliance on proprioceptive information vs visual and vestibular inputs 15:37 - Effects of mirror reliance and visual dependence in artistic movement 17:19 - Using resistance bands to enhance body awareness 19:26 - Assessing proprioception through two-point discrimination 22:02 - Graphesthesia and sensory exercises for performance, pain and injury recovery 26:30 - The importance and...

Episode 6: How to Incorporate Neurotraining In High Performance Athletes, Dancers, and Gymnasts— Boost Your Movement, Resilience, and Longevity

Jun 10, 2026 35 min

Discover how neuro performance training can enhance athletic and dance performance, prolong careers, and optimize movement efficiency. This episode explores the integration of neuro training into high-performance routines, emphasizing the importance of training the brain and nervous system alongside physical strength. In this episode The hierarchy of movement: Why the brain's input (visual, vestibular, sensory systems) governs muscle functionHow neuro training acts as the software for the body's hardware, optimizing movement and performanceThe significance of neuro training for high-level athletes, dancers, and performers aiming for that extra 1% boostWays to incorporate neuro drills into daily routines, training sessions, and pre-performance routinesThe role of neuro training in reducing tension, unraveling compensations, and preventing injury or plateauUnderstanding the nervous system’s role in pain, tension, and movement limitationsHow neuro training enhances resilience and adaptability to high stress and demanding environmentsCase examples: Olympic athletes, dancers, and even horses benefiting from resilience-building neuro protocolsPractical tips on assessing nervous system thresholds and customizing neuro interventionsTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction: How neuro training fits into high performance and why it matters 00:17 - The hierarchy of biomechanics: inputs controlling muscle function 00:47 - Neuro training as the brain's software, enhancing the body's hardware 01:30 - Benefits for elite athletes and dancers: performance edge and career longevity 02:45 - How neuro training can reduce tension and undo compensations 03:36 - Addressing nervous system regulation in movement and performance 04:04 - Why high performers plateau and how neuro training offers a solution 05:04 - Integrating neuro drills into busy training routines and pre-performance warm-ups 07:19 - The importance of resilience and managing high-stress environments 08:14 - Understanding pain and tens...

Episode 5: The Vestibular System's Hidden Role in High-Performance Athletes

May 27, 2026 36 min

Discover why the vestibular system, a crucial set of organs in the inner ear, can significantly impact athletic performance, balance, and movement. Learn how fine-tuning this system can lead to rapid improvements in stability, flexibility, and overall coordination, as well as reduce spinal tension. In this episode: The role of the vestibular system in balancing and spatial orientationHow vestibular dysfunction affects elite athletes and dancersSimple tests and drills to assess and enhance vestibular functionThe misconception of BOSU balls as proprioceptive toolsRelationship between vestibular health, postural tension, and movement qualityCase studies demonstrating quick progress with targeted vestibular trainingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the powerful vestibular system 01:53 - The importance of understanding vestibular health for performers 02:22 - How the inner ear regulates balance and spatial relationships 03:07 - The impact of vestibular dysfunction in elite athletes 04:17 - Common signs of vestibular system issues and their effects 05:09 - What is the vestibular system and how does it work? 08:18 - The vestibulo-ocular reflex and its importance for focus during movement 09:12 - How delayed reactions reveal vestibular deficiencies 10:06 - Rapid and effective training methods for the vestibular system 11:43 - The connection between balance, eye focus, and performance 13:06 - How vestibular assessments help guide training, especially in young athletes 14:46 - The significance of reflexes in movement and performance 16:00 - Common signs of vestibular dysfunction in gymnasts and dancers 17:41 - Practical examples of vestibular influence on flexibility and strength 19:11 - The impact of vestibular training on spinal tension and movement range 22:37 - Success stories of rapid adaptation through vestibular rehab 25:09 - Functional movements to train the vestibular system effectively 27:45 - Signs of vestibular issues in gait and posture 29:21 - Using Romberg’s...

Episode 4: Convergence - A Crucial Visual Skill for Dance and Gymnastics

May 13, 2026 29 min

In this episode, we explore how visual skills, particularly convergence, impact movement, performance, and injury prevention in dance and athletics. You’ll find practical insights into diagnosing convergence issues and techniques to improve visual capacity for better performance. Main Topics: The role of convergence in movement and performance How to self-assess convergence skills Insight into optimizing visual input for better balance, movement, and injury preventionThe impact of visual system efficiency on sports like gymnastics and dancePractical exercises to enhance convergence and visual awareness In this episode: How convergence influences depth judgment, balance, and coordinationCommon signs of convergence issues Case examples of athletes with convergence deficiencies and their effects on performanceThe relationship between eye health, tension, and movement safety Timestamps: 00:00 - The influence of eye convergence on movement 02:30 - Prevalence of convergence insufficiency among children and adults 04:10 - Case study: Traumatic brain injury and convergence challenges 06:47 - How convergence impacts depth perception and spatial awareness 09:00 - Examples from gymnastics and sports illustrating visual system importance 12:14 - Personal experiences with eye dominance and depth perception issues 15:07 - How visual input drives movement safety and efficiency in dance and sports 17:38 - The importance of convergence training in improving athletic performance 22:22 - Signs of visual fatigue linked to injury risk and mental blocks 25:07 - Why train your visual system for optimal movement and safety 26:50 - Quick self-assessment for convergence capabilities 28:31 - Practical exercises to improve convergence and visual coordination 30:18 - Final thoughts: vision as a critical, trainable component of performance Resources & Links: A Basic Convergence Exercise: Pencil Push Ups Connect with Yuka & Nikki: IG: @bybee_nikki IG: @levelupneuro Join our new...

Episode 3: Enhancing Movement Through Vision - The Power of Eye Training in Dance and Gymnastics Performance

Apr 29, 2026 41 min

Discover how your eyes influence movement, performance, and overall physical health. This episode explores the deep connection between vision and motor skills, providing practical insights into improving visual skills for athletes and movers alike. Key topics The critical role of vision in motor development and movement efficiencyHow early eye tracking (smooth pursuit) influences locomotionThe connection between eye health, movement, and neck painAssessment tools for visual system deficiencies impacting performancePractical drills to enhance visual skills such as smooth pursuit, saccades, and accommodationThe impact of visual training on athletic reflexes, balance, and confidenceReweighting neural pathways through targeted eye exercisesCase studies: from dance to sports—how vision training improves outcomesThe relationship between visual input and reprogramming motor patternsSimple daily eye exercises for immediate movement and performance benefitsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the importance of vision in movement00:21 - Personal updates and new neuro performance mentorship program 02:18 - How visual skills impact athletic performance 04:20 - Visual system's role from infancy to adult movement 05:51 - How vision influences safety, balance, and coordination 06:02 - Developmental milestones: eye tracking and locomotion 07:36 - The significance of visual skills like focus, acuity, and pursuit 08:56 - Vision as a primary sensory input for spatial awareness 09:23 - Consequences of vision impairments on confidence and movement 11:18 - Visual skills assessment and neural pathways 12:34 - How eye motion reveals neurological and motor coordination issues 13:44 - Practical examples: improving sports performance with visual drills 16:56 - The impact of focus, accommodation, and eye muscle efficiency 20:23 - Visual training's effect on high-level performance and reflexes22:44 - Simple drills to train smooth pursuit, saccades, and near-far focus 35:51 - Incorporating eye ex...

Episode 1: Understanding the Frontal Lobe

Apr 15, 2026 29 min

In this episode, we explore how the frontal lobe influences movement, decision-making, and inhibition, with insights from dancers, gymnasts, and case studies. We discuss practical drills and exercises to activate the frontal lobe, improve movement initiation, and reduce unnecessary tension, enhancing athletic performance and everyday function. Key topics: The anatomy of the frontal lobe: primary motor cortex, motor association cortex, prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, and the frontal eye fieldHow the frontal lobe controls movement initiation, planning, and inhibitionThe relationship between the frontal lobe and movement disorders like Parkinson’s and ADHDPractical exercises: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance drills to activate and train the frontal lobeThe impact of frontal lobe activity on movement fluidity, tension, and reflexive responsesCase studies: eye movement delay in patients with brain tumors and personal experiences with initiation/inhibition challengesThe global influence of frontal lobe function on daily habits, gait, and emotional regulationTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the importance of studying the frontal lobe in movement02:25 - Overview of the frontal lobe regions involved in movement control03:06 - Primary motor cortex and inhibition versus initiation roles04:01 - The motor association cortex as the brain’s navigator for movement plans05:01 - Executive functions housed in the prefrontal cortex: decision-making and emotionalregulation06:26 - The frontal lobe as the brain’s CEO in movement07:06 - Coordination of brain regions for seamless responses08:00 - How the brain anticipates and prepares for movement using the motor association cortex09:22 - The impact of over-monitoring on movement fluidity and tension10:20 - Fear, mental rehearsal, and the "frozen" states in movement execution11:19 - Case study: eye movement delays post-brain tumor removal12:23 - Personal experiences with initiation delays in weight training and eye...

Episode 2: Unlocking Movement Mastery - The Power of the Cerebellum

Apr 15, 2026 36 min

Discover how understanding and training the cerebellum can dramatically enhance coordination, balance, and agility—especially for dancers, gymnasts, athletes and movement enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the brain's tiny yet mighty structure that controls precision, muscle tone, and error correction in movement. In this episode: The cerebellum's core functions: accuracy, balance, and coordinationHow cerebellar drills improve trunk control, eye movement, and limb precisionThe significance of right-left limb balance and strategies to assess imbalancesSimple assessment tools: RAPS, heel-to-shin, and eye trackingPractical drills for cerebellar training to boost athletic performance The impact of cerebellum health on muscle tone, and postureRelationship between cerebellar function and neurological conditions like hypotoniaHow to tailor training programs based on cerebellar assessmentsTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the cerebellum's role in movement00:48 - The cerebellum and trunk control: a dancer's story01:06 - Coordination in sprained ankles and brain-body maps02:07 - How cerebellar function affects angular vs. smooth movement04:11 - The ABCs of the cerebellum: accuracy, balance, coordination04:43 - Error detection and correction: refining motor plans05:13 - How the cerebellum acts as a project manager in movement06:40 - Signs of cerebellar imbalance: stiffness and angularity07:09 - Regulation of muscle tone and reflexive postural control07:49 - Roadside cerebellar tests and eye coordination drills09:16 - Personal gaze stabilization exercises and their benefits10:24 - Zones of the cerebellum: vermis, intermediate, lateral zones11:21 - Assessing limb control and fine motor skills12:57 - The importance of bilateral training in dance and gymnastics15:23 - Assessment tools: diadochokinesia, heel-to-shin, circle drawing18:13 - Recognizing cerebellar deficiency: slow and flailing movements20:22 - Foot and leg coordination tests for balance and power23:01 - Posture and m...

Trailer

Mar 30, 2026 13 min

Welcome to the trailer for Performance Rewired! In this episode we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start a podcast, and how we hope to educate gymnasts, dancers, coaches and instructors on what it actually means to apply neuroscience to these pursuits, how you and your students can benefit, and share practical ways to do it. Things we covered: •Why we started a podcast •Our background and education, how we came to neuroscience and why it’s now central to how we work •How conventional training falls short •The brain’s role in movement •Real-world success stories •Key take-aways and what’s next Connect with Yuka and Nikki: Yuka - IG @levelupneuro Nikki - IG: @bybee_nikki Join our newsletters: LevelUp Newsletter Elevated Performance Newsletter

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Episode 17: What We Know About Your Brain Through Your Movement

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Podcast details

Created by: Yuka Sugiura & Nikki Bybee
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026
Episodes: 18
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 32 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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