The cause of sore muscles is known as lactic acid - a wonderful by-product of a lack of oxygen in the blood and muscles triggered by strenuous exercise. If your muscles get enough oxygen while you’re working out, chances are you won’t have sore muscles. But it’s not all about taking deep breaths – sometimes you’re working your muscles harder than your body can compensate for.
Lactic acid occurs in the muscles when there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood to convert pyruvate (a bi-product of your body burning glucose for fuel) into carbon dioxide and water. The pyruvate turns into lactic acid and stays comfortably nestled in your muscles and gives you a burning sensation in your muscles when you’re working out and sore muscles the next day. It can also keep your muscles from performing their best.
How do I keep lactic acid to a minimum?
There are several ways you can help your body have the oxygen it needs to keep lactic acid from being created:
How do I relieve sore muscles?
If you have sore muscles the day after a workout, don’t lie around or stay immobile. Since a lack of oxygen caused your situation, increasing oxygen flow to your muscles will correct it. So make sure you take a nice long walk, ride easily on a bike or take a short jog. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your muscles recover.
What is lactic acid buildup?
It is possible to get lactic acid buildup in your muscles – these often form knots that are tight or sore to the touch. Massage is a great way to get those areas of lactic acid buildup broken down, but unfortunately massage can’t remove the lactic acid from your muscles. So if you do get a massage to work out some muscle knots, be sure to drink plenty of water afterward and do a light physical activity to get oxygen to your muscles in order to move the lactic acid out.
