Upped exercise and experiencing weight gain?

sassyg

While I know this is normal and expected (and that I'm not "gaining muscle" as that's next to impossible on a caloric deficit) , I was doing some reading this morning just to reassure myself (as I've been "gaining" for 3 weeks now which I was starting to think, was a bit excessive, but it seems not), and came across this short article that I thought might be helpful for some people to read.

http://www.nutritionatc.hawaii.edu/HO/2002/135.htm

"As a person adapts to an aerobic exercise program, their muscles get better at storing carbohydrate in a form called glycogen. To muscles, glycogen is the storage form of high-octane fuel. During exercise, muscles break down glycogen to a high-energy source called glucose. A steady supply of glucose is essential for maintaining moderate- to high-intensity exercise.

So far, so good. But here's the rub: Along with each additional gram of glycogen stored in the muscles, about 3 grams of water are stored, resulting in a weight gain of as much as 2 to 4 pounds.

The increased storage of glyco­gen is important to the training program. It means extra carbohydrate calories from the diet are more likely to be stored as glycogen instead of fat. In the long run, this immediate weight gain will prove advantageous for the loss of body fat and maintenance of the loss. Increased glycogen storage also provides more of the high-octane fuel needed to maintain a quality training program that enhances overall health.

If you start up a new exercise regimen, ignore the scale for at least a month and rest assured that you are doing the right thing for your body."

RachelHancock

well, doesn't that make you feel better :drinker:

rherrin5

Thanks for sharing. Im sure this will ease alot of people out there getting discouraged when they know they are working their butts off!!! Thanks again!

dshalbert

THANK YOU!

katiemeridien

Great post!