If you haven’t been doing your regular exercise routine you aren’t alone.
According to a report by the American Psychological Association, 42% of Americans gained an average of 29 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, there is good news.
New research by the University of Arkansas shows that any training has long-lasting benefits. While the research was with mice, the results show that getting back into fitness is easier than you might think.
Muscle Memory
While most people believe that muscle memory means that we (our muscles) don’t forget how to perform a skill, like riding a bike, it actually relates to something much deeper.
Researchers found that previously trained muscles respond faster than ones that were never trained. Whether you were unable to exercise because of illness, injury, or enforced rest, any past fitness makes your muscles more sensitive to training and the results will come quicker.
Right down to our DNA
The DNA in cells contains the recipe for making the proteins for every cell. DNA in the muscle stores previous muscle adaptation. The muscle cells have a memory of previous exercise and adapt faster than untrained cells.
It is not only a matter of use it or lose it. Kevin Murach, an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at the University of Arkansas says,
“It’s better to have worked out and lost muscle, than to have not worked out at all.”
Kevin Murach
Move more
It is always best to keep active, but improving and maintaining muscle mass with regular strength training is vital. Muscle strength prevents injuries by keeping our bones, heart and brain healthy.
If you haven’t been exercising as much as you would have liked it may feel hard to get started, but your muscles never forget. The best news is that you can start any time and at any age.
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
PS Need help getting started? Book a free Discovery Session. Or go Plant-Based Performance Plans and find a solution that’s right for you. No commitment required.
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