Lactic Acid Is Not Muscles' Foe, It's Fuel

[Guest]

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[Seppo]

I was just replying to a thread on RSD about ice baths, and some fella had contributed a link to this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/health/nutrition/16run.html

Very interesting.  I always thought lactic acid = bad.

Hmmmmmmmm.... 

[Lex]

Haha, its both bad and good.

It's good in the sense that it is another energy system, its part of the ATP system and normally used for longish distance events. If you don't cool down properly or at all it stays in your muscles and thats why you feel sore the next day.

Here.

We have to do all this stuff for PD/H/PE lol.

-Alex

[Unamed.]

thanks

[kevpak]

Actually, lactic acid does not cause soreness.  Some theorize that soreness or DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is caused by muscle damage, but this has never been proven either.  Basically, we do not know what causes soreness. 

[Lex]

I thought the left over acid made the muscles stiff. Thats why they are sore?

-Alex

[DwightHarris]

well, regardless of whether lactic acid helps or not, it doesn't change the way that my muscles feel after Saturday of a tournament, nor how I need to cool down / stretch better, but hardly ever do.

[Seppo]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with Lex.  I'm pretty sure residual lactic acid left in the muscle after intense exercise definitely attributes to soreness.  I've read about it several places, and talked to many a physical trainer and therapist about it.

And besides, the proof is in the results.  Flushing the residual lactic acid from the muscles using hot/cold water treatments leaves my muscles feeling normal and ready for action the next day.

Giddeeup.