As one of the leading providers of concierge fitness in New Jersey, our team regularly helps our clients with their questions and queries regarding their fitness. One of the most common is whether they should feel the burn when they go to the gym.
No matter whether you are pushing yourself on the running machine or pumping weights, everyone has experienced that burning sensation at some point. What is it, though? And should you experience it? We thought we would take a closer look.
What is the burn?
That feeling of muscle burn is often the first thing you will feel when you are pushing yourself to the limit. This sensation is caused when your muscles begin to enter a phase known as anaerobic. This is where your body’s oxygen intake is not matching the demands of your muscles, which causes hydrogen ions to build up, creating that burning sensation.
Many years ago, it was thought the pain was caused by lactic acid, but it is now known that the production of lactate is your body’s attempt to remove these ions. The more you train, the better your muscles will become in dealing with this response. In fact, lactic acid has been shown to help in muscle development, and many professional athletes and bodybuilders use the burn to enhance their physique.
One of the biggest misconceptions about experiencing the burn is that is it helps to burn fat. However, this is not the case, and when your muscles enter the anaerobic phase, the body is actually burning glycogen.
So is the burn good or bad?
Exercise should not be seen as a form of punishment and, depending on your overall body goals, you should not always push yourself to feel the burn. However, if you are doing high-intensity training, the burn can be a good indication that your muscles are working in prime order.
If you are unsure of what to feel, our personal trainers in New Jersey will be able to help you create the perfect workout plan for your goals.
Tips to push through the burn
When you find the burn coming on, it can be very easy to stop your workout. However, pushing through that discomfort can help you improve your fitness and strength. So, how do you fight through the burn? Here are some of our top tips:
- Music
Listening to music is a great way to boost your motivation and give you the strength to power on through. Try listening to some upbeat songs to keep you going.
- Breathe
The burn occurs when our body is not getting enough oxygen. Focusing on your breathing, taking deep inhales and exhales will help you to better manage your body and ensure a continuous flow of air.
- Break it down
One of the best methods to help keep you focused when the burn kicks in is to break your exercise down into small chunks. No matter whether you are lifting weights, running, or cycling, try to break it down into more manageable sections in your mind, for example, ten-second intervals. This will help you to compartmentalize the workout, boosting your confidence and sense of achievement.
- Embrace the burn
For some people, embracing the burn is the best way to power through. Keep your mind on your goal and enjoy the challenge of reaching new levels of fitness!
Need help with your workout?
Here at Fit 4 Blast, we are one of the leading personal trainers in New Jersey, and our experienced team can help you create a customized plan to help you reach your fitness goals.
Our holistic approach covers everything from workout routines to wellness and nutrition. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!
