muscle memory

1. A type of memory that is linked to one's motor skills and learned through repetition. It allows one to perform certain physical movements without consciously thinking of or remembering them. You need to practice the dance many times over until you have whole routine becomes muscle memory. A: "I actually couldn't really remember how to ride a bike as an adult." B: "Ah, it's all muscle memory. You're just out of practice."

2. The ability of muscles that have developed as a result of exercise to return to optimal strength quickly after a period of disuse. A: "I'm worried about taking so much time off from my workouts. I don't want to start again at square one." B: "Thankfully, the muscle memory you've developed means you'll be able to 2. The lasting improvement of strength and muscle function resulting from the repetition of physical motions.