Heat is what causes exhaustion in athletes competing at the aerobic level. In sprint level races, lactic acid is produced in leg muscles as a by-product of the muscle producing ATP. In aerobic exercise, though, the leg muscles are able to get the oxygen they need from the blood stream, and thus produce very limited amounts of lactic acid.
So, instead of feeling the "burn" of lactic acid, we get the pain associated with heat.
Likewise, it isn't a good idea to put a hot pad on after an aerobic (or anaerobic, for that matter) exercise. This will promote blood to damaged capillaries, which can feel good in the short term, but can slow down the healing process. Whereas, ice promotes less blood flow to damaged tissues, and lets the body determine what areas need increased blood flow on its own.
Interesting, I think. Maybe less time in the hot tub is in order??
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