Does Lactic Acid Cause Muscle Soreness?
ListedFit is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission.
Does Lactic Acid Cause Muscle Soreness
Delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS for short, is the soreness you feel a day or so after exercising. Some people believe erroneously that this soreness is caused by a build up of lactic acid in the muscles. This believe came from the fact that muscles create energy for anaerobical contractions, meaning without oxygen, when intense exercising is taking place.
While it is true that this process leads to the production of lactic acid, however, it has been proven that the lactic acid created dissipates shortly after the exercising is complete. This happens before soreness in the muscles presents itself. This process of lactic acid creation does not take place in exercises such as jogging or walking because the energy produced with these activities use oxygen.
The soreness that is felt in the days following exercising, especially for those new to working out in the gym, is caused by the muscles tearing as they are being used. These microscopic tears can cause the muscles to become inflamed and sore. Although this sounds negative, this damage is needed in order for the muscles to gain size and strength.
Because muscles contain protein filaments that shorten and contract, your body builds new stronger and healthier tissues when it repairs itself. The way to gain more strength and bigger muscles is to increase the amount of weights used during training.
An important step in avoiding tired and sore muscles is to start slowly and to 
build up your fitness program slowly. Overextending your workout before your body is physically ready can be a painful mistake. There is nothing wrong with working out every other day to avoid extreme soreness as you are getting used to your workout program.
Another good idea is to alternate your fitness program. If you usually work out with weights, take a break and walk on the treadmill instead. Not only will this help your muscles, it will also help to keep you from becoming bored with your exercise routine. A workout program that does not bore you or make you miserable is a program that you can stick to for the long haul of your health.
Tell us what you think.
Author
Latest entries
FitnessAugust 19, 2023Yohimbe vs Yohimbine: A Quick Comparison Guide
AshwagandhaJune 16, 2023Is Ashwagandha Good for Working Out? Key Benefits Explored
Sports HeadphonesMay 25, 2023Why Your EarBuds Keep Falling Out – Quick and Easy Solutions
Nike ShoesMay 12, 2023Do Nikes Run Big or Small? Decoding the Perfect Fit
Affiliates:
This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, the site may earn a small commission. We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed on this site are our own.
General Advice:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new diet, exercise program, or making changes to your health routine.
Accuracy Advice:
While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information, the content in this article may not reflect the most current research or medical guidelines. We encourage readers to do further research and consult with professionals for more personalized advice.
Our Recommendations:
The products and services mentioned in any of our articles are recommended based on our independent research and personal experience. We are not sponsored by any company. We aim to suggest products and services we believe are of high quality and could be beneficial to our readers.
