Is there such a thing as "Muscle Memory?"

[bigbet1234]

I use to work out religiously about 6 years ago. I got pretty big, was benching over 300.

Is it easier to gain mass and strength if you have been there before?

 

[MrJ]

Not an informed opinion, but I'd think if anything gains are slower since your muscles are used to it, although I think this would only happen if you were taking short breaks. 6 years is a long time, I think you should expect it to take as long (or shorter if you became more efficient in your workouts) as before.

 

[Beanne]

Muscle memory applies more to like playing the guitar, riding a bike, waterskiing, etc. Not so much lifting....i think.

 

[Coaster]

Yup, definately.
If you were there once, it is easier to get back.



Coaster

 

[tkim11]

Coaster is correct but 6 years? I was off for 2-4 months from a broken collarbone and it took about a month or two to come back..but 6 years?

 

[RobFunk]

The only muscle memory I have heard of is when you keep doing the same routine for too long, which eventually limits your gains/results.

But I sort of call BS on that too because I have seen guys come in and do the exact same thing every day and blow up.