Nancy is able to run, swing a bat, and hit a baseball without thinking about what she’s doing. This incredible ability is not due to luck or some supernatural ability, but rather to her mastery of a phenomenon known as muscle memory.
Muscle memory is the ability to perform a skill or action without conscious thought. When we practice a skill, such as hitting a baseball or running, our brains become hardwired to perform the task without requiring any mental effort. We are able to do things without even thinking about them. This is why Nancy is able to run without watching her feet and swing a bat without focusing on the bat.
To attain muscle memory, it usually takes time and practice. You must repeat a skill many times before your brain and body can properly remember the movements. Each time you perform the skill, your body will remember the movements more easily. It may take hundreds or even thousands of repetitions, but eventually your body will remember the movements and be able to do them automatically without you having to think about it.
This is amazing news for athletes who are just starting out. Learning a skill or improving an athlete’s performance does not always have to be difficult or grueling. With diligent practice, you can develop muscle memory and be able to perform complex movements without even thinking about them.
So the next time you see Nancy running without watching her feet or swinging a bat without focusing on the bat, don’t be surprised. It’s all thanks to her mastery of muscle memory.