The Truth About Lactic Acid
If you’ve ever felt the intense burn during a workout, you’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s the lactic acid building up!” But here’s the truth—lactic acid isn’t even produced in your body. The real player? Lactate.
This long-standing myth has confused athletes and fitness enthusiasts for decades. At APEX PWR, we believe in science-backed training and recovery methods, so let’s break it down.
Lactic Acid vs. Lactate: What’s the Difference?
Lactic acid is commonly blamed for muscle fatigue, soreness, and that post-workout burn. But the reality is:
✅ Your body doesn’t actually produce lactic acid.
✅ Lactate is produced naturally—even at rest.
✅ Lactate is not a waste product; it’s a valuable energy source.
Lactate: A Fuel, Not a Foe
Your muscles produce lactate all the time, but levels increase during high-intensity exercise. Here’s why:
🔹 Lactate is an alternative fuel source – Your body can convert it into pyruvate, which is burned for energy.
🔹 Lactate can be used by the liver – It can be converted back into glucose, giving you more fuel for performance.
🔹 It does NOT cause soreness (DOMS) – Muscle soreness after exercise is from microtears and inflammation, not lactate buildup.
So What Causes the Burn?
The burning sensation during intense exercise comes from hydrogen ion accumulation, not lactate. When your body breaks down ATP (your energy currency) at a rapid rate, hydrogen ions (H+) increase, making the environment more acidic.
This acidity is what causes that temporary muscle burn, but it doesn’t mean your muscles are failing—it’s just a sign of high energy demand.
Lactate Clears Quickly
One more myth to bust: Lactate does not linger in your body. It clears within an hour after exercise, meaning it has nothing to do with muscle soreness the next day.
How Can You Use This Knowledge to Improve Performance?
🔹 Embrace lactate as fuel – Instead of fearing it, train your body to use it efficiently through proper conditioning.
🔹 Zone 2 Training & Lactate Testing – Understanding your lactate threshold can help you optimize endurance, pacing, and recovery. At APEX PWR, we offer VO2 Max and lactate testing to help you train smarter.
🔹 Recovery Strategies Matter – Since lactate isn’t to blame for soreness, focus on proper hydration, nutrition, sleep, and mobility work to recover effectively.
Unlock Your Athletic Potential with APEX PWR
Want to optimize your endurance and recovery? Dr. Kevin Le, DPT, specializes in running performance, lactate testing, and personalized cardio training in Tigard, Oregon to help you perform at your best.
📍 Schedule your lactate test and training consultation today:
apexpwr.com
Train smarter. Recover better. Perform at your peak. That’s the APEX PWR way. 💪🔥
Previous Blogs
Kevin Le’s Ironman California 2025 Story
Kevin Le’s Ironman California 2025 Story By Dr. Kevin Le, DPT | Physical Therapist & Endurance Coach at APEX PWR, Tigard, OR Hey everyone! It’s Kevin, your resident endurance athlete and physical therapist at APEX PWR. I just got back from racing Ironman California in Sacramento on Sunday, October 19. I haven’t taken
Finding Balance After Baby: How Structure and Habits Support Postpartum Wellness
Finding Balance After Baby- How Structure and Habits Support Postpartum Wellness By APEX Nutritionist, Jennie Carolan We’re so excited to introduce our newest little addition, Oslo, to the APEX family! He arrived on October 15th, and I truly believe that APEX’s incredible strength programming and my focus on nutrition played a huge role in such
Strong Legs, Strong Mind: How Lower-Body Strength Protects Long-Term Health
Strong Legs, Strong Mind: How Lower-Body Strength Protects Long-Term Health At APEX Performance Wellness & Rehab, we often say strength is more than muscle, it’s medicine. New research continues to reinforce that statement, showing that leg strength and muscle size are key predictors of brain health, metabolic function, and even lifespan. From dementia and Parkinson’s