Written by: Jill Witte, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Muscle memory is what our body uses to perform repetitive tasks that we do every day. Not all muscle memory is good and sometimes we need to replace old ones with new ones. This may be hard to do because our body and brain have gotten used to performing certain everyday tasks. Here are a few ways you can change and build new muscle memory for both the body and the mind.
The Body:
When we start to exercise we need to make sure we have proper form. If we don’t then we create poor muscle memory that can lead to weak muscles and injuries.
Poor form can be causing your issues. Listen to how your whole body is responding to the exercise and make sure the appropriate muscle(s) are being used.
Every time you perform the exercise, listen and feel what the body is doing so that the new muscle memory can become stronger and override the old one.
Notice how the other muscles around the muscle you are working can be used to help support you while performing the exercise.
If the weight you are lifting is too heavy and you feel that the muscle you are supposed to be working is not being worked, go down to a lighter weight. Stay at a lighter weight until you can feel that muscle working again and then gradually go back up.
Be careful not to fall into autopilot. If we don’t recognize that our form is poor it can lead to injuries and weak muscles.
As we get older our bodies change. We should always be listening and reacting to how our body is moving during an exercise.
Finally it is very important after coming back from an injury, illness or surgery to create a new muscle memory when exercising. The body may not be as strong as it was and may not function like it used to. Create muscle memory to fit the new you.
As we go through life we have had negative experiences and have heard stories of other people's injuries. This can create a negative muscle memory and can stop us from doing activities or tasks. As we get older and a negative muscle memory is activated, it has the potential of crippling us. The brain starts to make us anxious which causes the rest of the body to do the same.
The Mind:
When the brain and the body start to become anxious we have to calm the brain before pursuing the task or activity. If we don't, our potential for falling and/or hurting ourselves becomes greater.
Once the brain is calm, assess the situation. If the task is getting from one place to another, see if there is an easier option. If there isn't, visualize what you are going to do before you start. Take your time because rushing can lead to accidents.
When you have accomplished the task, take the time to create a positive muscle memory which will help you get through future situations without issue.
The more positive muscle memories we create the more confident we become.
Just be careful with becoming more confident because like being on autopilot while doing an exercise, negative muscle memories can be formed.
We are always changing and learning new things. Take the time, listen and create new muscle memories so that we can have healthy, balanced minds and bodies.
Jill Witte, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jill Witte, is the founder of True Fit Balance. She is a personal trainer who is certified as a Senior Fitness, Cancer Exercise and Clinical Exercise Specialist. Jill also has certifications as a Nutrition, Brain Health and Life Coach. She created True Fit Balance because of her past experiences of trying to find what exercises and foods worked for her. Now, Jill helps her clients find what works for them by connecting the brain, body and nutrition to create a healthy balanced body. Jill also hosts "Can You Relate Fit and Health". A podcast were she talks with people about their stories of overcoming injury or illness.
