gareth

The question whether 'burn' from working out is beneficial or not still confuses me.

I have been told that 'burn' is from a build up of lactic acid and is a sign of
overexertion i.e. burn = time to stop.

On the other hand I have also been told that a burning sensation is a sign of doing the exercise well (as expressed in a post a few weeks ago) i.e. burn =
good training.

ICE training seems to say 'go for the burn' : MAX-OT says the opposite.

Strangely enough I only get a burn when I do light 'work' (as in my warmup) -- high reps and low weight. Lifting heavy does not seem to give me a burn at all.


Maybe someone can enlighten me. Thanks

sabre81

i dont get "The burn" either. Maybe with triceps a bit i guess. Hopwever, I judge my workout by blood rushing to the muscles, or "The pump" as Arnold would call it. I only "feel the burn" when im doing carido, sprinting, etc... And yes, 'the burn' is felt when lactic acid builds up due to the lack of oxygen during intense training.

pumpchaser

I get a burn with reps of 10 or more, and I think it makes a difference to growth, but nothing's proven.

Duncans Donuts

The burn you feel with high reps is lactic acid aggrevating nerves.

"At rest and during light exercise it's of no concern. But, with high levels of exertion lactic acid accumulates within working muscles faster than aerobic matabolism can remove it. Once the concentration of this fatigue toxin becomes high enough the muscle's ability to continue contracting is curtailed. "

There is absolutely no evidence that a burn contributes to muscle growth.

"in the howling bleeding nights, the dogs plunge into the Volga and swim desperately to gain the other bank. The nights of Stalingrad are a terror for them. Animals flee this hell; the hardest stones cannot bear it for long; only men endure."

pumpchaser

That's too absolutist. Many studies also claim that steroids don't work either..

Duncans Donuts

Old studies, that were (by admission) conducted with a terrible setup and bad parameters. And bad conclusions.

You're entitled to your belief. I don't think training to that point will HURT muscle growth, but I can promise you it isn't necessary for it.

"in the howling bleeding nights, the dogs plunge into the Volga and swim desperately to gain the other bank. The nights of Stalingrad are a terror for them. Animals flee this hell; the hardest stones cannot bear it for long; only men endure."