Posted by Frank Day (63.201.228.13) on January 27, 2004 at 16:01:47:
In Reply to: lactate vs mitochondria myth posted by duncan on January 27, 2004 at 11:39:53:
: Does lactate production inhibit the develoment of mitochondria and capillary density? I assume one of the main benefits of 'base' training is the development of mitochondria and capillaries, so would that be adversely affected by lactate in the muscles? ie Doing 'a couple' hard efforts during a long ride?
: Along those lines would first time users of power cranks be harming 'base' training by producing lactate in the hip flexors? Would that be only the hip flexors?
The body changes based upon stresses it sees. Anytime it sees a stress beyond what it is capable of easily handling it will set into modifying itself to better handle the stress the next time it sees it.
In trying to do aerobic training the stress that one must produce is the anaerobic state. Anytime the anaerobicd state is encountered lactate is produced. However, once one stops exercising the lactate is quickly cleared and matabolized by the body. However, this sets in motion the building of new capillary beds such that the next time this stress is seen that there might be more blood available to prevent the anaerobic state from occurring.
Therefore, lactate doesn't inhibit capillary formation (since capillaries aren't formed when lactate is present but rather when one is resting) but actually is associated with conditions that actually encourage and stimulate capillary formation. The same with mitochondria and all the other elements necessary to athletic performance.
Frank