Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and has since become one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research [2] investigated the effect of atorvastatin on exercise recovery time in healthy individuals. The study found that atorvastatin did not significantly affect exercise recovery time, suggesting that the drug does not impair exercise performance in healthy individuals. However, the study did note that further research is needed to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on exercise performance in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

A New York Times article [3] highlights a potential downside to statin drugs, including atorvastatin. The article notes that some people who take statins may experience muscle pain and weakness, which can make it more difficult to exercise and may lead to longer recovery times. The article also suggests that statins may reduce the benefits of exercise by interfering with the body's ability to build muscle.

In conclusion, while atorvastatin does not appear to significantly affect exercise recovery time in healthy individuals, it may cause muscle pain and weakness in some people, which could make it more difficult to exercise. Further research is needed to fully understand the effect of atorvastatin on exercise performance and recovery in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3463373/
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/well/move/a-fitness-downside-to-statin-drugs.html