Is muscle memory myth or fact?

[net0ranger]

I'm just starting up again after being off for about two years and was wondering if there's was any truth to the claim that former lifters can expect to make some faster gains than an outright beginner.

Also, if it is true, would be best to lay off supplements like creatine until after hitting the first plateu?

[Diana Meeque]

I'm just starting up again after being off for about two years and was wondering if there's was any truth to the claim that former lifters can expect to make some faster gains than an outright beginner.

Also, if it is true, would be best to lay off supplements like creatine until after hitting the first plateu?

it's easier to re-gain strength than to build strength that was never there probably for a few reasons. why wait until you hit a plateau to start creatine?

[net0ranger]

I was told that since gains were to be expected, it wouldn't really be needed until things slow down as a sort of quick fix. It also help avoid stressing the tendons because they don't adopt as quickly (which was especially worrying to me b/c it was a slight tear that put me out of commission to begin with).

[Retardo-pex]

I was told that since gains were to be expected, it wouldn't really be needed until things slow down as a sort of quick fix. It also help avoid stressing the tendons because they don't adopt as quickly (which was especially worrying to me b/c it was a slight tear that put me out of commission to begin with).

Do something like Coan based meet prep where you basically do 2x10 weeks 1+2 2x8 weeks 3+4 3x5 on weeks 5+6 and so on it will allow you to get stronger without placing too much stress on your tendons initially.

[koyongi]

I think you're expecting way too much out of your supplements.
You're thinking steroids, not creatine.

But yes, it's easier to rebuild lifts than it was to build them initially.

[spiderman997]

Fact
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930527/

[net0ranger]

Do something like Coan based meet prep where you basically do 2x10 weeks 1+2 2x8 weeks 3+4 3x5 on weeks 5+6 and so on it will allow you to get stronger without placing too much stress on your tendons initially.

That seems like an interesting program, I'll read up on Coan. Thanks.

I think you're expecting way too much out of your supplements.
You're thinking steroids, not creatine.

But yes, it's easier to rebuild lifts than it was to build them initially.

lol I'm not expecting to burst out of the seams like the hulk with it, but I have seen some guys break minor plateaus with a change in routine and supplements fairly quickly. I'm just hoping to keep the initial good times rolling as long I can.

Fact
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930527/

Awesome article, thanks for the link!

[gewaltiger]

fact
before i left for afghanistan: bw 205lbs, backsquat 405lbs, clean and jerk 320lbs, snatch 255~lbs
went on 7 months of walking around for hours and hours with a machinegun on my back, no gym, no good meals, lost 30-35lbs. (bw 168ish~)

1 month after returning: bw 195lbs, backsquat 345~, clean and jerk 295, snatch 225
2 month after returning: bw 198lbs, backsquat 365~, clean and jerk 315, snatch 245

[.Excalibur]

It's not so much 'muscle' memory as it is neural pathways. Look at spiderman's article

[TheRighteous]

I'm just starting up again after being off for about two years and was wondering if there's was any truth to the claim that former lifters can expect to make some faster gains than an outright beginner.

Also, if it is true, would be best to lay off supplements like creatine until after hitting the first plateu?

It's real. But two years is a long time.

[spiderman997]

It's not so much 'muscle' memory as it is neural pathways. Look at spiderman's article

There is also a muscular component as well. It has something to do with satellite cells, may or may not have to do with the increase in cell nuclei. Will have to research and find out.

[300lb10yrs]

Muscle memory is as real as ever you already proved it.

315 C & J after two months that's sick. I used to lift at a gym named Weight masters the owner Scottie was a former world record holder in the squat in the 70's with a 770lb squat at 214.

All us young guys talking bout bench strength so Chris goes "I think I finally gotcha Scottie"

So Chris throws 365 on the bench an barely gets it but gets it.

Scottie who hasn't lifted in 2 yrs and he's cold says "Throw ten more pounds on it" lays down tightens up an proceeds to smoke it. Hops up an says "Your gonna hafta come with better than that."

Ill add this as well the older and longer you've been training the better the muscle memory