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How to Learn Skills Faster

Episode 20 May 17, 2021 1h 47m 21 insights
This episode I discuss the science and practice of learning physical skills: what it involves at a biological level, and what to focus on during skill learning at each stage to maximize learning speed and depth. I also describe what to do immediately after a training session (note: this is different than the optimal protocol for cognitive skill training) and as you progress to more advanced levels of performance. I also cover the science of skill-based visualization which does have benefits, but only if done correctly and at the correct times. I discuss auto-replay of skill learning in the brain during sleep and the value of adding in post-training ‘deliberately idle’ sessions. I cover how to immediately improve limb-range-of-motion by leveraging cerebellum function, error generation, optimal repetition numbers for learning and more. As always, scientific mechanism, peer-reviewed studies and science-based protocols are discussed.  Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Maximize Repetitions & Errors

When first learning a skill, perform as many safe repetitions as possible per unit time, even if making many errors, because errors cue the nervous system for correction and open the window for neuroplasticity.

2. Post-Learning Brain Idle Time

Immediately after a skill learning session, sit quietly with eyes closed for 1-10 minutes, avoiding other sensory stimuli, to allow the brain to replay and consolidate correct motor sequences, accelerating learning.

3. Optimize Sleep for Learning

Maximize sleep quality and duration, as sufficient sleep is absolutely critical for the consolidation of all types of learning, including motor skill acquisition.

4. Prioritize Training Density

Focus on maximizing the density of repetitions and safe failures within a training session, as shorter, intense sessions (e.g., 10 minutes) are more beneficial than longer, haphazard ones, regardless of ultradian cycles.

5. Understand Skill Type

Before attempting to learn a new skill, identify if it is “open loop” (discrete action, delayed feedback) or “closed loop” (continuous action, real-time adjustments) to inform your learning strategy.

6. Focused Attention for Skills

Once familiar with a skill (e.g., 25-30% success rate), deliberately direct your attention to one specific aspect of the movement throughout a session to accelerate learning, rather than constantly shifting focus.

7. Augment with Visualization

Supplement physical training with mental visualization (e.g., 15 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks), as it activates upper motor neurons and can improve strength and skill acquisition, though it’s not a full replacement for physical practice.

8. Introduce Slow Movements Later

Perform ultra-slow movements of a skill only after gaining some proficiency (e.g., 25-30% success rate), as doing so too early prevents error generation and accurate proprioceptive feedback, hindering initial learning.

9. Use Metronoming for Speed

For intermediate to advanced practitioners, use an auditory metronome set slightly faster than your current rate to increase repetition cadence, generate more output, and train central pattern generators for higher speeds, accelerating plasticity.

10. Cool Palms During Exercise

Periodically cool your palms throughout exercise to efficiently cool your core body temperature, which improves performance and allows you to do more work (sets, reps, distance).

11. Relieve Side Stitch

To relieve a side stitch or cramp during exercise, perform a physiological sigh: a double inhale through the nose (very deep) followed by a long exhale, repeated two or three times.

12. Expand Range with Eye Movements

To temporarily increase flexibility and range of motion, move your eyes to the far periphery (left, right, up, down) while keeping your head and body stationary, as this impacts the cerebellum and expands limb range.

13. Warm Up Before Exercise

Always warm up before you exercise to prepare your body, as this will not increase body temperature to a point that diminishes work capacity or harms performance.

14. Hot Sauna for Growth Hormone

Use hot sauna (or other heat-increasing tools) to elevate body temperature for growth hormone release, ensuring this protocol is done at separate times from performance-enhancing cooling.

15. Caffeine Use Guidelines

If caffeine-adapted (100-300mg, 3-5+ times/week), ingest caffeine before training; if not adapted, avoid it as it may diminish performance by impacting body temperature and blood flow.

16. Take Supplements Pre-Training

If using supplements like caffeine or Alpha GPC for physical skill learning, take them before the training session so their effects extend into the training, supporting execution of repetitions.

17. Consider Alpha GPC

For enhanced power output (300-600mg single dose before training) or improved cognitive function (up to 1200mg daily, divided), consider Alpha GPC, as it can increase power, promote growth hormone, and improve fat oxidation.

18. Electrolyte Hydration Protocol

Dissolve one packet of Element in 16-32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during physical exercise to ensure adequate hydration and electrolytes for optimal brain and body function.

19. Daily Nutritional Support

Take Athletic Greens once or twice a day to cover basic nutritional needs and support microbiome health with probiotics, making up for potential deficiencies.

20. Supplement Vitamin D3 & K2

Supplement with Vitamin D3 and K2, as D3 is essential for brain/body health (many are deficient) and K2 regulates cardiovascular function and calcium.

21. Practice Meditation/NSDR

Use a meditation app for various meditation durations, mindfulness training, yoga nidra, or non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) protocols to place the brain and body into different states and restore cognitive/physical energy.