Meditation: The effect on lactic acid
When you run, lift weights, or push your body hard, your muscles burn.
The burning sensation is caused by lactic acid.
Lactic acid is a byproduct of producing energy without oxygen. Your body produces lactic acid when oxygen is low, and energy demands are high.
Normally, your body clears it quickly. But when you’re stressed, the lactic acid lingers.
Here’s where meditation comes in.
Meditation is not just a tool for mental clarity. It also has a profound effect on your body’s physiology.
Studies show that regular meditation reduces sympathetic nervous system activity. What you call your fight or flight response. This shift reduces the production of cortisol and adrenaline.
It calms your breath, slows your heart rate, and improves oxygen delivery to your tissues.
And that helps clear lactic acid faster.
Think of your blood like a highway. Stress clogs it. Meditation clears the lanes. As oxygen supply improves and muscle tension reduces, your body returns to balance.
Less muscle fatigue. Faster recovery. Fewer cramps.
But there’s another hidden benefit.
Lactic acid isn’t just about the body. It can affect the brain. High levels can worsen anxiety, panic attacks, and mental fatigue.
Meditation helps regulate mind, body and brain, creating balance.
So how should you meditate?
Start simple. Sit comfortably. Focus on your breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Breathe out even slower. Count to four on the inhale. Six on the exhale. That’s it.
You can also try yog nidra. Or body scan meditations. Even 10 minutes a day is enough.
The key is consistency.
Athletes are now combining meditation with training. Not to become monks. But to recover faster, train harder, and perform better.
You don’t need to lift more. You need to recover better.
The next time your muscles ache after a workout, don’t just reach for a protein shake.
Sit down. Close your eyes. Breathe. Breathe Again.
Balance is not just about how much you do. It’s in everything you do.
Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain
