Muscle Memory question

T

Tallchick

Cathlete
I fractured a bone in my foot by a 30 pound piece of concrete falling on it. Ouch, I don't recommend anyone doing this. Anyway, I have been working out my upper body and abs and doing floor work for the lower body. I will not be able to lift for the lower body for another four weeks. Depressing, that is for sure. So, what I am wondering is, when I can start weight work for my lower half, how will muscle memory will work for me?
Thank you
 
I had a bunionectomy a few years back. I had my big toe broken and screws insterted to keep the bone straight. I came back really fast - of course, I was 25 at the time which helped. I was actually running at 6 weeks with a small amount of discomfort for a couple hours following (ok'd by my podiatrist). I was able to get right back into lower body weight work - mainly open chain exercises (floor/standing leg work w/ ankle weights)- with very little strength loss. I made sure to keep up on cardio once I could put pressure on my foot (3.5 wks). I did the upper body portions of KPC mostly. Cardio will increase blood flow throughout the body which will aid in the healing process. Everyone is different in these types of situations. You'll know if what you're doing is too much too soon - pain and inflammation are signs of reinjury.

Hope you're feeling better soon!
 
Sorry, I guess I'm missing what your question is exactly. You really won't lose much muscle in 6 weeks. It takes a full month of bed rest for your muscles to begin to atrophy, so I think you're well in the clear as far as that goes. Muscle memory is just the myosin in the muscles "remembering" their previous state. Just like when you go skiing after you haven't been on ski's in years, your body just knows how to do it (proprioception) - it's a similar situation. If you need a more scientific explaination hopefully someone will chime in.
 
I think she is referring to "muscle memory", the kind they talk about when they say you will get back what you lost quicker if you have lifted weights in the past than someone who has not. Right??? But, like Curly said, you don't have to be concerned with that cuz your layoff will not be long enough to do damage. I, on the other hand, would be concerned about that since I have had quite a long lay off from lifting. I SHOULD be able to come back to it quicker (strength, size) than someone who has never, ever lifted. Make sense?? HTH
 
Thank you, I feel better now. I guess I can continue my floor work. Now, I gotta just stay away from the food......
 
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