Thighs bigger-fat or muscle?

looney9708

I have recently lost weight and since then have been focusing on heavy lifting and focusing on body recomp with my increased CrossFit and hiit workouts. My thighs have gotten about 1/2"-1" larger. Is this probably fat gain or could it be muscle? I assume fat since muscle takes up less room than fat but wanted others opinions.

StealthHealth

Surplus calories = muscle and/or fat gain.
Deficit of calories = inflammation/water retention.

Elise4270

I'm not an authority. I've recently taken an injury break from running and noticeably my butt, thighs and calves are smaller. I'd guess it's likely water since active muscles store water (prob other stuff too) for energy and recovery. Btw- I'm down 4 pounds on rest. Probably water weight.

Your muscles swell a bit. Sure some other experiences will chime in. But I doubt it's fat, especially if you aren't seeing weight gain elsewhere. Can you do a body fat test and start tracking?

RoxieDawn

Need more info..

Have you been eating a deficit through your lifting? You say recomp so I ask if at maintenace or maintaenance with a small deficit?

Have you considered that it is muscle water (pumps), blood circulated to the muscles, muscle recovery (water rentention).

You have been lifting heavy for how long?

mommazach

I started with chicken legs. Really scrawny legs. REALLY.... SCRAWNY. I have been hitting the legs super hard, and have never had bigger legs in my life, but they are Killer rock hard legs, and I currently have a butt too. I'm wanting to wear shorts all the time! My legs have gotten nearly 4" bigger, and I have clearly defined muscles I've never had in my life. It depends specifically on what you are doing. I'm gaining muscles in my legs, but I've been really working on them and I am now running about 15 miles per week.

rileyes

Since you assume it is fat... I am assuming your muscles are swollen from the lifting and circuits pushing your fat to the surface. I might stay the course for 4-6 weeks and remeasure. You may know if you need to cut calories after that period.

SonyaCele

It took me over a year to add almost an inch of muscle around my thighs. and that was focusing on my bulk and a serious intense heavy lifting program.

So if you just recently started, i'd say its water retention , or you aren't being accurate about measuring the same spot on your legs. or its fat.

Vladimirnapkin

If you are worrying about this, you should probably go get a quality body composition analysis. (Immersion) Otherwise, we're all just speculating.

kimdawnhayden

How long have you been lifting? If it's only recent it's water. After leg day, when my pant legs will be tighter from the workout also. You'll hold water for a day or two. If you were to take a few days off you could see if it's just water retention.

looney9708

kimdawnhayden wrote: »

How long have you been lifting? If it's only recent it's water. After leg day, when my pant legs will be tighter from the workout also. You'll hold water for a day or two. If you were to take a few days off you could see if it's just water retention.

I've lifted for a while but took almost a year off and then started back. So maybe water retention. My hands and feet are quite swollen too. My stomach can swell two inches from morning to night so for some reason I have a fair amount of water retention

kimdawnhayden

looney9708 wrote: »

kimdawnhayden wrote: »

How long have you been lifting? If it's only recent it's water. After leg day, when my pant legs will be tighter from the workout also. You'll hold water for a day or two. If you were to take a few days off you could see if it's just water retention.

I've lifted for a while but took almost a year off and then started back. So maybe water retention. My hands and feet are quite swollen too. My stomach can swell two inches from morning to night so for some reason I have a fair amount of water retention

Also try getting in more water. My tummy does the same thing. I have some food allergies/ sensitivities that I didn't know about. I also have to watch how much sodium I get. because my hands and feet will swell so bad it hurts.

looney9708

Also try getting in more water. My tummy does the same thing. I have some food allergies/ sensitivities that I didn't know about. I also have to watch how much sodium I get. because my hands and feet will swell so bad it hurts. [/quote]

Yes! That is very true and lately I've been terrible drinking water. I also have sensitivities and have recently been diagnosed with an auto immune disease and found SIBO which I'm taking a bunch of meds for. Good reminder! Thank yiu

ninerbuff

Reintroduction to lifting will increase circumference around any body part worked due to glycogen storage and water retention.

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