Writing, driving, playing musical instruments, and even riding a bicycle are all examples of a phenomenon known as muscle memory.
This incredible resource exists as a means of facilitating daily tasks while optimizing energy expenditure, but by the name isn’t exactly what one would imagine.
The term “muscle memory” is a bit of a misnomer as this resource is a form of learned neurologic control and muscular adaptation, two resources working in tandem.
Muscles themselves do not have the direct capacity to learn or remember. Rather, this resource occurs within the cerebellum section of the brain. It is within this section of the brain that most of our motor learning and control resources are developed.
For example, as you are learning to ride a bike as a child – your brain is assembling the motor control resources to allow you to control the handlebars, push the pedals in sequence, center your body weight for balance, and process the sensory information around you to navigate safely.
All this is done simultaneously, and each decision is made within split seconds!
Regarding the muscles, their job centers more on movement adaptations (strength, endurance, power, etc.). Regarding the above example, each time you get on your bicycle and begin to peddle, the muscles in your legs adapt to the force production requirements to move the peddles, core strength is developed for balance, and increased oxidative muscle metabolism (endurance) is achieved.
With some practice, you are soon enjoying the biking experience almost effortlessly because your brain mastered the skill as your muscles adapt to force demand.
Another example might be learning to play guitar. When you first pick the instrument up and begin to practice, fatigue in the fingering hand sets in pretty quickly as you learn to fret the chords, while the picking hand struggles to produce rhythm.
However, due to this new demand – the muscles in your hands start to adapt, becoming stronger, and soon you are able to play longer, more accurately, and with less physical effort. This process happens simultaneously as your brain processes fingering patterns, rhythm, composition, and musical patterns.
Over time, when practiced consistently and progressively, this process becomes more and more effortless – producing advanced proficiency and how rock stars are born!
These examples reflect progressive adaptations (development stages), but it is also essential to recognize that this process can also run in reverse. Therefore, these skills must be continually utilized to remain viable, especially as you venture through the retirement years.
For example, walking is a “muscle memory” function, yet if one becomes sedentary, the brain begins to experience diminished motor control while the muscles lose the capacity to produce force.
However, just like riding a bike – these resources can also be restored with practice – to be good at moving, keep moving!
Joe Carson B.S. NASM-CPT/FAS/CN
Master Trainer/Functional Aging Specialist/Certified Nutritionist
Twenty-First Century Aging