The Visual System – Seeing More Than Meets the Eye
Your visual system is basically how your brain turns light into “Oh, I know what that is!” About 80% of the information your brain takes in comes through your eyes. That’s a lot of trust in two small organs — but fun fact, your visual system isn’t always spot-on. We’ll get to that interesting twist later.
First, let’s get to know it better.
Here’s something weird and wonderful: You have “eye abs.”
Okay, not six-pack abs on your eyeballs, but your eyes really are packed with muscles — some work like abdominals, some like obliques. And just like Pilates keeps your core fit, eye exercises can keep your visual muscles in top shape.
Try this “Eye” workout:
Without moving your head, move your eyes: up, down, left, right, and diagonally in all directions. Easy warm-up called smooth eye movement.
But that’s just the start. There are other moves that help your eyes and brain work together even better:
- Gaze Stabilization – Pick an object (Visual Target or VT) and keep it centered in your vision without letting it drift away, “eye planks”.
- Convergence/Divergence – Move toward your VT, then back away. Great to practice while walking.
- VOR (Vestibular Ocular Reflex) – Keep your eyes locked on your VT while you move your head in different directions. This trains your visual system and your vestibular system to cooperate.
- VOR Cancellation – Move your head and eyes together while following your VT. This can help calm an overactive balance system.
- Smooth Eye Movement – Let your eyes smoothly explore in all directions without moving your head. (Yep, back to those eye abs!)
- Saccades – Pick several VTs and quickly jump your gaze from one to another.
Try these exercises on their own or incorporate them when you are moving and working out. I use many of these exercises when I am working with clients to create better movement patterns and improve balance.
Why bother?
Sometimes your visual system can get a little “stuck” and limit how you move. These exercises can loosen things up, improve coordination, and even make your overall movement more stable.
Healthy eyes aren’t just for seeing — they help your whole body move with balance and confidence.
“I look forward to my sessions with Marion as special self-care treats that keep me feeling healthy and strong. She’s an intuitive and delightful Pilates guide.”
– MS –
MBC Pilates the
Neurological Approach to Pilates
Immerse yourself in the Mind Body Connection community and begin a life-changing experience with MBC Pilates, where each movement serves as a pathway to enhanced wellness and neurological rehabilitation.