Gains, pains, and mind games. Advice appreciated!

InspirationKitten

Hi guys, this has probably been asked before but my search queries have been pretty limited so here it goes!

After a year off from exercising (first half because work-life balance did not exist, second half of the year I broke my ankle), I recently got back into it and am following a calisthenics program. It's been two weeks since, I've been feeling fantastic, I can see some ab definition and my arms have been looking pretty good.... BUT I noticed my legs looked a little bigger than when I had previously started. Io and behold... I've gained an inch in both legs. Dismayed, I checked my waist. Half an inch increase. Pardon me?

Furthermore, I weighed myself before and now. I've gained 2 kg. My brain has gone into nuclear meltdown. I'm being dramatic here, but my question is: is this normal? Should I expect these gains to stick around for longer until one day they slide off like butter on corn-on-the-cob? If so, how long approximately, and if not, what should I do to overcome this?

I'd say I eat relatively ok but could always do better, such as limiting salt intake. I generally hit anywhere between 1300-1800 calories in a day. The latter is my off-days when I mismanage calorie intake. I weigh my food out, drink 2+ litres of water, and do count alcohol calories when I indulge (denial does funny things).

Any help/guidance would be appreciated, and stay safe in these corona times!

janejellyroll

You're "generally" at 1,300-1,800 -- do you know how many calories you need to maintain your body weight?

Generally if you're gaining inches and gaining weight on the scale, that's an indication that you're consuming more calories than your body is using. Given that you're just two weeks in to a new exercise routine, there's a good chance you may be experiencing some temporary water weight gain. Depending on where you're at with your monthly cycle (assuming you have one), it could be that you haven't gained any weight at all, but this would be a good time to figure out exactly how many calories you want to be eating to maintain the body weight you want.

InspirationKitten

Thank you for this!
I'm usually (except for 3-4 days out of the month) below my maintenance calories, which was calculated before the exercise routine when I was 2 kg lighter. Because of the big changes in activity, it's probably the water weight gain then but i'll keep an eye on what happens next and adjust accordingly, then.

alexmose

InspirationKitten wrote: »

Thank you for this!
I'm usually (except for 3-4 days out of the month) below my maintenance calories, which was calculated before the exercise routine when I was 2 kg lighter. Because of the big changes in activity, it's probably the water weight gain then but i'll keep an eye on what happens next and adjust accordingly, then.

Couple of notes: when i start new exercise routines, my weight fluctuates like crazy for a couple of weeks. second, if its my time of the month, i can see an 8lb weight gain. i have known women with 10 lb weight gains!!

InspirationKitten

Wow, I had no idea. I feel like I was panicking for nothing, but I'm glad I could clear this up. I feel a lot more positive and will actively maintain my exercise regime (obviously).

Buff_Man

If you're regularly weighing and measuring yourself then watch the trend. If they're going up week to week over 3-4 weeks then you're gaining weight, and you'll need to tighten up those calories. This will be both fat and some muscle. You should also take regular pics so that you can see how your body composition is changing.
Good luck!