In recent times, questions have emerged regarding the benefits of active versus passive recovery. Here, active recovery implies light exercise while passive refers to rest. In a study by Choi et al. They found that blood lactate levels decreased more rapidly during active recovery than during rest. However, the difference was not found to be very significant.
Attention thus focuses on glycogen depletion.
Although active recovery decreased lactic acid levels faster, it may also further deplete the glycogen stores that need replenishment. In other words, the athlete should warm down until normal rates of breathing return and then rest. At this time, a high carbohydrate meal should be consumed to help replace the glycogen stores, which have been depleted through exercise. In summary, lactic acid is not a useless metabolic by-product. It can serve as a very important and useful energy source.