How to Build Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is a great adjunct to many activities, from playing a sport to typing to playing a musical instrument. Muscle memory occurs when your body has repeated a movement so many times that you no longer need to think consciously about how to make it happen. Your muscles simply know what they need to do. We build muscle memory by repetition in many daily activities, but if you want to use this function to your advantage, you need to know how it works.

Instructions

    • 1

      Break it down. Whatever it is you're trying to master, be it a golf swing or a piano piece, it probably involves multiple moves. To properly implement muscle memory, you must break it down into its separate parts and focus on each one. For instance, in a golf swing, begin with the footwork. For a piano piece, pick just a couple of measures in one hand.

    • 2

      Do it right. There's no point in your muscles memorizing something that isn't right. Ask a teacher or coach to analyze your movement to ensure it's as good as it can be.

    • 3

      Go slowly at first. Once it's correct, do it slowly so that you can maintain correct form consciously. As it becomes easier, gradually bring the movement up to speed.

    • 4

      Perform the movement many times. The real key to muscle memory is repetition. For the moment, keep it broken down into those small chunks of movement and repeat. As it becomes more natural, fit the different movements together: the footwork with the upper body, or the two hands together on the piano, and then repeat it some more. If you have time, do several of these multiple repeat sessions per day to train your muscles.