Contrary to popular belief, next day soreness is not due to a build up of lactic acid but rather to microscopic tears in muscle fibers causing disruption in the cell membranes and protein content of your muscles.
Further training on these damaged tissues will result in decreased muscle force production and subsequent loss of strength. Only through adequate nutrition and recovery will these tissues heal and “come back” stronger and more resilient then they were before.
Light, low impact aerobic activity for 30 minutes, such as easy cycling or swimming, helps increase blood flow and deliver needed nutrients without exacerbating further tissue damage.
So, take a light day! You’ll be stronger for it!
By Ethos’ Personal Trainer, Molly Throdahl, BA. Molly is certified as a personal trainer by American College of Sports Medicine and is working towards her Master’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a competitive cyclist.
