WHY DO I KEEP GETTING HEARTBURN AFTER I LIFT WEIGHTS?

James, Isle of Wight

Today 6:14am

I always feel the burn after a heavy weights sesh, and not in a good way. WTF is going on?

It’s probably gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is pretty common. It’s caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure when you perform big lifts.

This makes the contents of your stomach – including the acid – head north, forcing the valve at the bottom of your oesophagus open and irritating it.

I can’t train without eating breakfast first, but it seems to make it worse. Any tips?

Timing matters: don’t hit the gym on a full stomach. Opt for something small, easily digestible and low in fat, like a banana or a protein shake. Eating slowly is wise, too.

If heartburn kicks in before the end of my workout, what can I do to make it over the finish line?

Work with gravity, not against it. Lying on your back can exacerbate the issue, so if your bench press is too fiery, try an incline press.

If your symptoms are severe, swap your HIIT and heavy lifting for some LISS (low-intensity steady state) on the bike, then try again tomorrow.

Physio and PT Rachid Louali, lead trainer at UN1T

RL