Muscle Memory Exercises

Muscle memory is a condition which develops after repeated movements, and can be an essential element in the training process for a number of competitive sports. The concept of muscle memory is perhaps best described by the way a baby learns to walk. Initially, movements are awkward and often uncoordinated. But over time, as these motions are repeated again and again, the movements become coordinated and “automatic,” and the baby becomes a toddler.

Similarly, when an professional or recreational athlete wants to improve his or her performance level in a particular sport or activity, repeated exercise that “teaches” muscles how to react, and react quickly, are extremely important in learning the skills that will keep performance levels at their peak.

Entire specialties have developed which analyse the muscle memory process. When learning any activity, athletic or not, the brain experiences high levels of activity and new memory pathways are created which enable muscles to react in an apparent automatic response. Those pathways become more clearly defined as the activity is repeated over and over again. In its simplest terms, muscle memory exercises may be thought of as the embodiment of the saying, “Practice makes perfect.”

All professional athletes rely on muscle memory to remain at the top of their respective sports.

Repetition is the primary factor in developing muscle memory. But the second crucial element in an effective muscle memory exercise program is accuracy. It’s important, then, to make sure that whatever movement you are repeating is accurate and efficient, prior to committing it to “muscle memory.”

In general, most muscle memory exercises to improve athletic performance work the large muscle groups and involve gross motor skills.

The type of muscle memory exercise routine that is best for an individual athlete is based largely on the type of sport that person is competing in. For example, runners may participate in elliptical training, jogging, walking, and treadmill usage to perfect their stride and then commit it to memory. Swimmers may decide to perform a different series of exercises to perfect their sports. Overall, good muscle memory exercises include running, jogging, walking, swimming, rowing, basketball, golf, judo, tennis, and use of training equipment, including elliptical trainers and treadmills.