Why Everything You Know About Lactic Acid Is Wrong

Video Transcript:

Ever heard someone say, "Oh, my muscles are burning from lactic acid!"? Well, what if I told you that's not technically correct?

Yup! Lactic acid has been getting a bad rap for a while, but let’s break it down. When you're working out hard, your muscles need energy—fast. So your body burns glucose for fuel, and in the process, produces something called lactate. Not lactic acid!

Lactate is actually a good thing! It helps delay fatigue and gives your muscles extra fuel when oxygen levels are low. So, it's more of a helper than a villain.

But where does the whole "lactic acid" myth come from? Back in the day, scientists thought that lactate buildup caused muscle burn. But what actually causes that burning sensation is hydrogen ions building up, which makes your muscles more acidic—not lactate!

So the next time you're crushing a workout and feel that burn, don't blame lactic acid. Thank lactate for being a friend when your muscles need an extra boost!

Keep pushing, keep grinding, and remember—it's not lactic acid slowing you down! It's science helping you go further!