Muscle memory refers to the process by which the nervous system and muscles learn and remember specific movements and activities through repetition. When individuals consistently practice a movement, their brains develop stronger neural pathways, making that movement feel more natural over time. In physical training, this concept explains why former athletes can regain strength and skill more quickly after a period of inactivity. Muscle memory involves the storage and retrieval of motor patterns, which means that once learned, movements become more efficient and require less cognitive effort, improving overall performance in physical activities.