Muscle memory?

Does anyone know if there's such a thing as "muscle memory".  Let me explain what I mean.  About 10 years ago, I lost about 90 lbs. and worked out intensively with a personal trainer for about 5 months.  I was pretty buff.  Unfortunately, we moved, and that was the beginning of the end of all my new good habits.  I gradually started slacking off on the exercise, and picking up all my bad eating habits, until I ate my way back up to my old fat self, plus many extra pounds.  I didn't exercise regularly again until just after Jan. 1, of this year.   But, I swear it's taking me far less time this go 'round to get back into shape.  Why is that?  Am I just lucky?  Or maybe if you've been fit at one point is it easier to get back in shape?  Anyone have any thoughts on this? Tami

I think you were a mesomorph underneath all that bad behavior!  I forget the guy's name, but this scientist some years ago came up with three basic body types:  mesomorph, endomorph and ectomorph. Interesting to read about it. A mesomorphic body is muscular, responds quickly to exercise and is a natural fat burning machine with very little effort. Endomorph, very little muscle, usually heavy around lower body, pear shaped, not into exercise but can work hard with little rest, conserves energy more readily. Ectomorph - skinny, hard to gain weight, very little muscle mass, low energy, needs food source constantly.  I think I am a endo-mesomorph, more on the endo! I love physical work, but get/see very little results. I look like a German female body builder - just a chunkster, no matter what I do.  i need very little food.  I also agree with your last statement - once you've been there, it is easier, mentally, physically, etc. Good for you! Welcome back to health!

Neecee, you might be right, but I always considered myself to be an Endomorph.  I have the basic "pear" shape, which you can see on my profile pics.  I've got a long way to go on the ol' saddlebags. 

Tami

Hey Tami, Yes there's definitely muscle memory. Once you've been there it's easier and faster to get back...usually. It's why a lot of top bodybuilding competitor will take months off at a time to let injuries heal and come right back bigger than ever within months of training. A little break sometimes does some good. Glad you're back. Earl

Thanks, Earl.  That makes sense.  And, although I don't want to take any forced breaks (injury) anytime soon, it's good to know that if I have to, that I'll be able to recover any lost fitness relatively quickly.  Tami

Earl, that makes me feel better!  I'm taking an enforced vacation from exercise for about 3 months because I'm having two rounds of plastic surgery.  I have hated the idea of losing all the benefits of the exercise I did last year, and I'm looking forward to getting back in the gym, but dreading the idea of starting from scratch again.  So you have given me hope that I can get back in shape a little faster and easier -- wonderful.