Gaining weight after a workout is a common concern for many people, as they may not be seeing the results they expect from their exercise routine. Indeed, many people will panic and think they’re doing something wrong. Surely with all the cardio and muscle training they’re doing, they should be losing weight, not gaining weight? But that’s not what happens when our body goes through positive changes.
Here are three reasons behind gaining weight after you work out.
Increase in Muscle Mass
First, it’s important to understand that weight gain can come from an increase in muscle mass as well as an increase in body fat. When you strength train, your muscles undergo small tears, which then repair and grow stronger, increasing muscle mass. This increase in muscle mass can result in weight gain on the scale, even though you may be losing body fat.
This means that someone can be lean and fit with a high muscle mass and low body fat, but still weigh more than someone with a lower muscle mass and higher body fat. It’s important to focus on building muscle and reducing body fat rather than just trying to lose weight because that number on the scale isn’t the perfect way to determine how healthy your body is.
Water Retention
Water retention can cause temporary weight gain as it can cause the body to store excess fluids, which can add extra pounds to the scale. This is especially true if you are retaining a lot of water. However, it is important to keep in mind that water weight is not the same as body fat, and it can be easily lost by reducing fluid retention. Drinking plenty of water, eating a diet low in sodium, and staying active can all help to reduce water retention and temporary weight gain. It is also important to monitor your body composition and not to focus solely on the number on the scale, as it may not reflect the true picture of your body’s progress.
Don’t fret, the water retention will decrease over time as your body adjusts to your new workout routine. Health experts say that you should expect to lose that water weight a month after you start working out regularly.
Excess Calorie Intake
Another reason for weight gain after working out could be an increase in calorie intake. When we exercise, our body burns calories, and if we don’t replace these calories, we can lose weight. However, if we eat more calories than we burn, we can gain weight. This is why it’s important to pay attention to your calorie intake.
In the same way, eating after a workout is important because it helps to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles, which can help to improve recovery and improve overall performance. It also helps to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to repair and grow muscle tissue. Eating a combination of carbohydrates and protein after a workout can also help to promote muscle protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth.
So, basically, you want to eat enough to repair your muscles but not enough that you exceed your daily recommended intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weight gain after a workout is not always a bad thing, as it can be a sign of muscle growth. It’s important to focus on building muscle and reducing body fat, rather than just trying to lose weight. This can be achieved through a combination of strength training, a healthy diet, and adequate rest and recovery. Keep track of your progress by measuring body composition, as well as monitoring your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level.
