Lactic Acid System

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1) What are the downfalls of training in the Lactic acid system (power lifter/sprinter)? Lactic acid and why it causes fatigue, how to reduce it. Lactic acid is an acid that builds up in the body during a short period of intense physical activity. It is a by-product of the lactic acid energy system which is the predominant energy system from about the 10 second mark to the 90 second mark of maximum physical exertion. Lactic acid is a product of glycolysis created by the breaking down of pyruvate. Lactic acid is then disassociated to produce lactate. When lactic acid releases a hydrogen ion, the remaining compound binds to a sodium ion or a potassium ion to form a salt. It is this salt that is lactate. Now the cell contains a lactate compound and a free hydrogen ion for each compound of lactic acid that is produced. It is this increase in cellular hydrogen ions that causes the pH to decrease, becoming more acidic. The acid in the muscle causes the fibres’ calcium-binding capacity to decrease, therefore limiting muscle contraction. This is the cause of muscle fatigue. How to reduce muscle fatigue: Nutrition – Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes complex proteins, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates. You should increase the amount of carbohydrates you eat, beginning seven days prior to exercising, to about 40-60% of your caloric intake for aerobic athletes and 30-35% for anaerobic (nonaerobic) athletes. This will maintain your muscles’ glycogen levels, which are depleted during exercise. Eating Schedule – Eat a light meal or snack about two hours before working out. It is not recommended to work out on a full stomach or an empty stomach. Make sure to eat within one hour after you work out. This will help repair and refuel the muscles that were broken down during exercise. Hydration – Drinking water throughout the day and drinking sports drinks during

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