Coordination is the process where the body’s neurons and limbs work together to produce movement. This is a highly complicated process that we do effortlessly. For most of us the act of tying a shoe or standing up is done with no conscious thought at all. None of this would be possible without coordination.

While coordination is used to describe the highly complex way that we move, most people mean something different when they talk about it. Coordination is traditionally used to describe balance and reaction time. It also refers to a person’s ability to remain on their feet or move with little effort.

This type of movement is important for anyone interested in athletic pursuits, whether they are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior. It is the skill that allows a baseball player to hit a fast ball, a basketball player to block a shot or a swimmer to shave off time when executing a perfect flip turn. Recreational golfers and tennis players with high levels of coordination can pick up and retain skills more easily than their less coordinated counterparts.

While everyone is born with their own, individual level of coordination, it is possible to increase your skills. Certain exercises will not only improve your ability in sports, but they will also reduce risks associated with aging such as stumbling and falling. Devoting some time each day to these exercises can provide a tremendous benefit both on the athletic field and in life.

Games that require a tremendous amount of hand-eye development are great for increasing coordination. Table tennis and racquetball are both games that require high levels of these skills. There are also computer games that provide commands on the screen that you must respond and react to. These are also beneficial. In fact, researchers have found that many types of video games improve hand and eye response.

Physical activities such as hiking on uneven trails are a good way to make yourself more coordinated. When we walk on level pavement all the time, our bodies get used to the lack of resistance. On bumpy or uneven trails, our bodies must react to the changes in elevation and compensate. This type of activity is vital for improving balance and reaction.

Coordination is a skill, and like any skill, it can be improved. Investing some time in exercises will allow you to reap big rewards. If you don’t feel the need to improve for athletic reasons, consider the age-defying benefits.