Training FAQ #8: What is "muscle memory"?

[Animal Rep]

"Muscle memory" refers to the idea that the body has the ability to "remember" a prior state and return to it. In other words, if you've lifted for a while but take some time off, when you get back to the weights, it'll be easier for you to return to your original size and strength.

[jonnydunz]

So true Rep as I am experiencing this right now. Matter of fact it is quite unique how this work. I wish I had the scientifical explaintion to this phenomenom. I am lifting pretty good and my body is taking on some good shape after less than a week in the gym. Excited to see what I will be able to accomplish in the coming weeks.

[mombasa3]

I have been going the a divorce. I am 48 and have been lifting for many years. Do not minimize the mental side of lifting, its by far the most important part of it. My mind was not into it, I quit working out and I quit eating. I dropped 55 pounds in couple of months. I've been off for close to 8 months and started lifting about 4 weeks and its coming back. Thank God for muscle memory.

[monster99]

Thank God there is such a thing...

[Hybrid]

I hope this doesn't start an argument, but...there's no such thing.
It's not 'muscle memory', it's just 'memory' memory. Your muscles don't remember anything. Your brain remembers, after a return from a lay-off, that your body was once capable of lifting 'X' amount of weight, so you return to that standard faster than other ppl just starting out.
Your brain remembers, not your muscle. So, the phenomenon exists, but it's misleading to call it 'Muscle memory'.

Bless

[RhinoJoe]

I thought "muscle memory" was the name for the function when the body creates neural pathways from the brain to the muscle so that it "remembers" what the brain is asking it to do. In other words, the first time ever in your life that you performed a bicep curl, you were creating neural pathways that allowed the brain to signal the muscle fibers to contract and perform the movement. Once this was accomplished, it was not "forgotten," and you could do it over and over again without teaching yourself how to do it again, hence the name "muscle memory." It's the same reasoning behind the phrase, "It's like riding a bike, you never forget."

Please, correct me if I'm wrong (and I know you will).

[gjn5002]

I thought "muscle memory" was the name for the function when the body creates neural pathways from the brain to the muscle so that it "remembers" what the brain is asking it to do. In other words, the first time ever in your life that you performed a bicep curl, you were creating neural pathways that allowed the brain to signal the muscle fibers to contract and perform the movement. Once this was accomplished, it was not "forgotten," and you could do it over and over again without teaching yourself how to do it again, hence the name "muscle memory." It's the same reasoning behind the phrase, "It's like riding a bike, you never forget."

Please, correct me if I'm wrong (and I know you will).

are you maybe refering to the mind-muscle connection. Many people have a hard time with the mind-muscle connection when training back, biceps for example are much eaiser to have this connection with.

[ministrssm]

so come on, have at it, which is which and what does what. whats the final answer lads. id really like to know