That unassuming box of baking soda in your pantry holds an incredible secret. Sodium bicarbonate has a long history of boosting athletic performance, dating back over 80 years. In fact, it's one of the few ergogenic aids recommended as effective and safe for athletes by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). So, how exactly does this humble ingredient help us go faster, stronger, and longer in pursuit of optimal performance? Let's explore the fascinating science of sodium bicarbonate, how it enhances sports performance, and brings the power of bicarb directly to your muscles.
The Science Behind Sodium Bicarbonate
Athletes of all types are constantly seeking ways to push the boundaries of their physical capabilities. Sodium bicarbonate's unique properties can help anyone achieve just that. The science behind this extraordinary compound lies in its ability to buffer excess hydrogen ions released in our muscles during intense exercise. Contrary to popular belief, it's not lactic acid that causes that dreaded "burn" or fatigue we experience when pushing ourselves to the limit; it's actually the hydrogen ions that increase muscle acidity and lead to muscle exhaustion. Sodium bicarbonate and other buffering agents work to extract these hydrogen ions from the working muscle, ushering them into the bloodstream and allowing the muscle to return to a less acidic state. This process ultimately helps to delay fatigue and enhance overall performance, allowing us to push a little further in pursuit of our athletic goals.
The Benefits of Bicarb
The remarkable properties of sodium bicarbonate have caught the attention of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike—and for a good reason. Here's a closer look at some of the key benefits that have made sodium bicarb a go-to supplement for those striving to reach new heights in their athletic pursuits:
Improved Performance: By buffering muscle acidity and delaying the onset of fatigue, sodium bicarbonate supplementation can give athletes the extra edge they need to outperform their previous bests. This can be particularly beneficial during high-intensity workouts and interval training sessions.
Increased Endurance: The endurance-enhancing effects of sodium bicarbonate stem from its ability to mitigate muscle acidity, allowing athletes to sustain hard efforts for longer periods. Whether you're a long-distance runner or you're into CrossFit, incorporating sodium bicarbonate into your training routine could help you push your limits even further.
Enhanced Recovery: We all know that post-workout muscle soreness can be a real drag, but sodium bicarbonate also offers a helping hand in this department. By reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle function, sodium bicarbonate supplementation can aid in a quicker and more comfortable recovery, getting you back on track and ready to tackle your next workout with everything you've got.
As impressive as the benefits of sodium bicarbonate are, it's important to know that taking it orally can come with some drawbacks. First, knowing the correct dosage is tricky, as it often varies based on your weight and athletic ability. Also, the taste of bicarb can be tough to handle, making it challenging to consume the full amount. Some athletes can also experience digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when taking sodium bicarbonate, which is obviously less than ideal when you're trying to push for a PR.
(Re)Introducing PR Lotion
That's why PR Lotion is such a major innovation. It's the world's first and only sports lotion designed to unlock the power of bicarb in a convenient, topical application. Powered by patented technology, PR Lotion delivers sodium bicarbonate directly to your working muscles through the skin, making it easier than ever to reap the benefits of bicarb without the drawbacks.
In one study, Mark Kern, professor of exercise and nutritional sciences at San Diego State University, found that a group of semi-pro cyclists and triathletes who used PR Lotion reported feeling 53% less muscle soreness the day after an intense training session (1). Kern's study also demonstrated that athletes who used PR Lotion daily unlocked 16% more power and increased blood lactate by 11%. Another trial conducted by Source Endurance concluded that it helped increase time to exhaustion in high-intensity intervals by 25% (2).
Ideal for big races, tough training sessions, or even long weekend adventures, PR Lotion helps combat fatigue, speed up muscle recovery, and ease muscle soreness. Trusted by professional athletes, military personnel, and weekend warriors alike, PR Lotion is your go-to solution when performance and recovery matter most.
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References
(1) Kern, M., Misell, L. M., Ordille, A., Alm, M., & Salewske, B. (2018). Double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized crossover pilot study evaluating the impacts of sodium bicarbonate in a transdermal delivery system on physiological parameters and exercise performance: 2402 Board #238 June 1 11 00 AM - 12 30 PM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(5S), 595.
(2) "PR Lotion Significantly Improves High-Intensity Interval Performance," Source Endurance, available online at https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/amphumanperformance-site.appspot.com/o/papers%2FSource_Endurance_Amp_Study_v5.pdf?alt=media&token=45e645d6-d3f0-4a8f-8d1f-be510ae627cd.