Welcome to today’s episode where we explore the fascinating world of muscle memory—what it really is and how it affects us. We often think of muscle memory as solely the ability to recall physical movements we've practiced. But as Adam Sharples, a former pro rugby player turned researcher, explains, there’s so much more beneath the surface.

After suffering a torn ACL, Adam took a year off from rugby and went on to study human physiology, leading him to dive deep into the cellular mechanisms of muscle growth. He found that human skeletal muscle has an “epigenetic memory,” meaning that changes in gene expression from exercise can persist long after you stop. When you lift weights, small molecules called methyl groups make your muscle genes more likely to turn on again, allowing you to regain muscle mass faster after a break.

Adam reflects, “If you can find the exercise that provides your muscle with the longest-lasting memory, then you can potentially reduce the amount of exercise you do for the same benefit.” In other words, our muscles have an incredible capacity to remember, making recovery after injury quicker than most of us realize.

Join us next time as we continue to shed light on the science of our bodies and how knowledge can empower us to move better and feel stronger.
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