muscle soreness causing weight gain??

numberscolors

i recently (3 weeks ago) started working out again (after a couple months of being essentially sedentary). i've been riding my bike pretty much every day, for hours at a time some days. of course, i started a downward trend on the scale!

WELL, 2 days ago, i did 30 day shred (circuit training with 5 pound weights) and yesterday, i did a stupid butt-sculpting strength training work out. needless to say, i am TOTALLY sore. i also gained about 2 pounds! :grumble: now, i KNOW i'm not gaining muscle that fast...

...so what's the deal? could being sore have something to do with the weight gain?

atla_moves

After strength training, your muscles retain water for a bit to help repair the damage. I never weigh the day after strength training for this reason.

MinnieInMaine

It's water weight. That soreness is pretty much your way of knowing you caused damange to your muscles doing something new (or starting exercise afer being mostly sedentary). And part of the natural healing process is for that tissue to retain water.

Make sure your sodium is in check, drink your water (and maybe a little extra) and maybe do something light like a walk or the next day or two until the soreness passes. You still might not drop the weight right away but it'll come off in another week or two.

voluptas63

Muscles retain water to repair. You are experiencing this.

If you haven't worked out regularly for a very long time and are getting back into it, then your body is going to go through this phase for a bit. Do NOT get discouraged and keep with it:) You'll love your results when you're at goal!

baisleac

Water and glycogen storage.

http://bankshealth.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/weight-gain-with-new-exercise-programs/

numberscolors

ugh, double post....

numberscolors

awesome! thank you!

Grimmerick

ok haha where the hell is the dancing guy from?? I am just curious where you got that .....it's so weird hahaha

js775219

yes yes and yes...your muscles are trying to repair themselves and you need to take today easy and just drink your water; I've lost as much as 5 lbs the next day from resting after a serious muscle workout!

numberscolors

ok haha where the hell is the dancing guy from?? I am just curious where you got that .....it's so weird hahaha

she's a lady and her name is robyn! she's a swedish pop singer. here's the video those .gifs are from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv644ipg2Ss

beaner1st

Very helpful. Thanks.