Muscle Memory is a beautiful thing!

Do you believe in this idea of "muscle memory"?  I've always been skeptical, but today, I have a newfound appreciation for such a concept.  I have to say that after 6 weeks without a solid studio class, I was right back into the swing of things, and I really, really enjoyed my class this morning.  I'm not saying I nailed every single posture, but I am saying that it wasn't as hard as I had worked it up to be in my mind.  I was really worried that I wouldn't make it through the class; I know I've done some horrible things to my leg muscles in the last 6 weeks, involving ellipticals, treadmills, even a foray into the spinning studio.  All without the proper post-workout stretching that I KNOW is essential.  But I talked myself into going to yoga (in fact, my unwilling children and their whines weren't stopping me), and an hour later, I was so glad that I went.

The instructor was one I had practiced with once or twice before as a "substitute".  Now apparently, she has her own regularly scheduled gig, and I thought it was just the right level of challenging.  She has a bit of a nonchalant way of offering instruction that turned me off when she was a sub, but now that's she's running her own show, it isn't so off-putting.  She began the practice with a nice little meditation to help set our intention for the practice.  She ended with a gradual progression to Savasana where she added a closing meditation to seal the practice.  Throughout the practice she built the poses and her asanas had a logical progression:  Virab. 1 to Virab. 2 to Trikonasana to Ardha Chandrasana;  Vinyasas and down-dogs peppered in between.  Perfect for a Monday morning, after a weekend (or 6 weeks) of "damage".

Nearing the end of practice, she guided us into Pigeon (one of my personal faves, and any instructor who throws it in is immediately endeared to me), and I loved the way she offered not one, not two, but three variations depending on which intensity our muscles were ready for.  Here's where the muscle memory part comes in:  I was able to do all the variations!  I wasn't sure I'd even be able to do get into regular old simple pigeon, but I was able to transition into all of the modifications she offered.  It wasn't easy, and my hips are protesting a bit now, but I know they'll feel better in the morning and reward me for my efforts!

So, "Muscle Memory" - myth?  Or reality?  What are your experiences with this?

Be truly whole, and all things will return to you. - LaoTzu