Muscle confusion is a big selling point in the fitness industry these days. It is built on the fact that as the body “gets used to” an exercise, or builds muscle memory, it burns less calories. The belief is you need to mix up your exercise to keep your body burning calories.
First, lets take a step back. Why do you want to lose weight? To make everyday life and the fun things easier? To be more comfortable in your body? To reduce pain? To feel better? To improve health?
And, I am guessing you want those great benefits to last, right?
If that sounds like what you want, muscle memory is your friend!
For the things you need to do in daily life to be easier, it takes practice. If you are always practicing something different, your body does not build muscle memory as well. In everyday life we need stregnth for movements like bending down and getting back up, stepping up, lifting overhead, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying objects. Doing these movements on a regular basis, at a level that comfortably challenges them over and above the level of daily life, will make them easier. This is why muscle memory is your friend. Instead of playing the calorie burning game, you get what you truly want from weight loss.
Second, your body is still burning calories! The total decrease in calories burned is small. Instead of playing that numbers game, put your energy into reducing the calories you take in from eating for reasons other than hunger. These calories can add up much more!
The muscle confusion approach is taking one piece of science and applying it in a way that is very profitable for the fitness industry. Yet, it leaves people who want fitness for improves health and function missing out on building muscle memory, doing sustainable exercise programs and feeling better now and in the future.
The bottom line: Life can be complicated and confusing enough! Your exercise time does not need to be. Your body does adapt and yes, because it is smart, it will burn a few less calories for an activity when it builds muscle memory. The calorie difference is not worth what you are missing out on by focusing on muscle confusion. Focus on muscle memory and enjoy a body that makes it easier to enjoy your life!
Keep Moving, Be Well
Janet
Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery. Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center
These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician
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