Should I Take Fat Burners on Non-Workout Days?

We know what you’re thinking…

“If I take a fat burner every day, I can still burn fat even when I’m not working out.”

Is that along the right lines? We thought so… and it’s kind of correct.

Let’s Recap Quickly

Fat burners are a combination of various herbs and nutrients that work to increase energy levels, boost metabolism, and (possibly) suppress appetite.

Some fat burners contain stimulants (i.e. they generally contain caffeine and other stimulants), while others are stimulant-free.

And don’t think that just because they don’t contain stimulants, they aren’t effective.

The one thing that people miss when they purchase fat burners is that they are supplements - fat burners are not the magic pills that are going to give you a rock-solid body and a six-pack…

...that only comes along with hard work, consistency, and dedication.

But fat burners are meant to be taken in addition to a training plan to give you an edge on achieving your goals of boosting performance, increasing energy, and altering your body composition.

So, the question remains:

Should you take a fat burner on non-workout days?: Yes and No

If you’re taking a clean fat burner, taking it on days you aren’t training can still help to:

• Boost calorie expenditure (even on rest days)
• Preserve lean body mass
• Reduce food cravings
• Reduce appetite
• Increase energy levels

Some of these effects are because of HMB (β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate). On training days, HMB can help attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage, enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength, improve aerobic performance, increase resistance to fatigue, and boost regenerative capacity [1].

On non-training days, however, the benefits of HMB may carry over to help prevent degradation of that precious muscle you worked so hard to gain.

Studies have found significant increases in strength and fat-free mass, along with decreases in markers of muscle protein breakdown following supplementation of HMB [2].

Other benefits of taking fat burners on non-training days are thanks to things like chromium and capsaicin, which help to control insulin and blood glucose levels, reduce appetite, and boost energy expenditure by inducing thermogenesis.

Some nutrients found in these fat burners can help to maximize recovery on days you’re not training, so go right ahead and take them.

With that said, fat burners aren’t inherently dangerous to take on non-workout days if they’re like Burn Lab Pro and not loaded with stimulants, and that’s a big IF.

If you’re taking fat burners that are loaded with stimulants, save your body the stress and keep them only for training days.

Either way, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Fat Burners Shouldn’t be Used Forever

Just like any other supplement you’re taking, whether natural or non, your body needs a break from them at some point—fat burners included.

This is because your body is superb at adapting.

Think of fat burners like a drug. You take a certain amount the first time, and it works great. You take it a second time, and you need more to get that initial reaction.

And after a few months, you’re practically taking the entire bag to get the same effect.

Desensitization is one possibility, and it can happen pretty quickly when you’re taking supplements, especially those with caffeine. Your body gets used to what you’re giving it to where the current dosage no longer works.

And what do people do in response to that? They bump up what they’re taking. Eventually, though, that backfires.

Stimulants can do more harm than good

When you’re continually pumping your body with stimulants, your body will respond by doing the exact opposite of what you want.

It becomes overloaded, stressed, and slows down your metabolic rate to compensate. It’s a little thing called adrenal fatigue.

When you hit the point of exhaustion from over-stimulation, you’re in a bit of a pickle.

The adrenals work to supply your body with hormones (cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) that keep you alert and functioning.

But when they’re constantly being pried and poked to release these hormones in large quantities (by stimulants), they eventually get sick and tired.

When this happens, your body can no longer keep up with the demands placed on it and will slow functions down.

As a result, your body decides to heck with the stimulant, and you’ll notice some not-so-pleasant changes, i.e. a slow metabolism and weight gain.

Fat burners were not designed to be taken forever. They’re designed as a supplement—to help you out during those times where your body might need a little boost.

These products are supposed to help you reach a goal, not be used as a crutch all day, every day.

Keep in mind, though, that if you’re using a fat burner that doesn’t contain stimulants, you’re in a better position to take them longer-term—but definitely not permanently.

Get Your Timing Right

Since the purpose of fat burners is to “stimulate” your body (whether or not it contains stimulants) and suppress your appetite, helping to reduce food intake and burn fat, timing is everything.

If you’re going to take them on non-workout days, it’s best to do so first thing in the morning to help you throughout the day, or to give you a little boost if you’re planning to do some light activity.

You’re going to see the most benefit from your fat burner by taking it on days you’re training, but that’s not to say that it won’t be useful to take on non-training days.

Taken upon rising, fat burners can help to control blood sugar and insulin levels, helping to curb your appetite and keep your cravings in check.

Because let’s be real, no one wants to put all that work in at the gym only to ruin it on off-days with a junk food binge.

Burn Lab Pro is designed for daily use on both training and non-training days. It contains no harsh synthetics, no stimulants, and helps to control weight when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

So, if you’re thinking about taking Burn Lab Pro on non-training days, do it!