What happened to my legs!!!!

emmab0902

This week I have done 3 lots of circuit training, largely squats and sumo squats plus kettlebell swings, two long walks and a short run. Today my jeans feel TIGHTER in the upper legs - needless to say this is not the effect I am looking for.

Any idea why my legs are seemingly BIGGER?? I have not used very heavy weights with the squats and swings, only 12kg!

SunshineDieter

Initially you will bulk up a little from any exercise, but if you're losing weight as well as exercising, they should even out after a little while.

Its really important to stretch long and hard after working out to create long, lean muscle (I try to do a yoga/pilates/BB class after my workout)

impyimpyaj

It's just water retention. Your muscles are trying to heal from the trauma of all that exercise. It's normal, and it's a natural step toward getting the body you want. Give it time. Remember to drink plenty of water, and stretch properly after your workouts to help minimize soreness.

texastango

This week I have done 3 lots of circuit training, largely squats and sumo squats plus kettlebell swings, two long walks and a short run. Today my jeans feel TIGHTER in the upper legs - needless to say this is not the effect I am looking for.

Any idea why my legs are seemingly BIGGER?? I have not used very heavy weights with the squats and swings, only 12kg!

Not sure of the answer here as I'm still researching Kettle ball stuff. I do have a book I'm reading. I can't give you an educated answer yet....but I do try and alternate exercises that constrict a muscle with ones that stretch it out. I do this in the gym all the time because it "feels good" An simple example would be a biceps curl followed by a triceps extension (where the biceps is stretched out). Alternating Push with pull exercises. This will not likely make the size of the muscle smaller, but it will balance out the actions. More when I understand Kettle ball swing...I'm reading.

cordianet

It's just water retention. Your muscles are trying to heal from the trauma of all that exercise. It's normal, and it's a natural step toward getting the body you want. Give it time. Remember to drink plenty of water, and stretch properly after your workouts to help minimize soreness.

I'm with this poster. As I'm sure you know, when you injure yourself, swelling is a common response. Likewise when you have a heavy workout, you have effectively caused micro-trauma to the muscles, thus they will swell in response. Here's a link that may help you understand what's going on:
http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/training/weightlifting.htm
It's a long article, but here's a quote: "Muscle swelling, as a result of fluid accumulation and immune cell delivery, occurs almost immediately after exercise. This swelling typically lasts 3-4 days but may take as many as 7 to subside. "

HeidiMightyRawr

Water retention.
It's common after exercise, especially when you're not used to it. Give it a bit of time and it'll go back down

DonttrythatwithME

It's just water retention. Your muscles are trying to heal from the trauma of all that exercise. It's normal, and it's a natural step toward getting the body you want. Give it time. Remember to drink plenty of water, and stretch properly after your workouts to help minimize soreness.

I'm with this poster. As I'm sure you know, when you injure yourself, swelling is a common response. Likewise when you have a heavy workout, you have effectively caused micro-trauma to the muscles, thus they will swell in response. Here's a link that may help you understand what's going on:
http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/training/weightlifting.htm
It's a long article, but here's a quote: "Muscle swelling, as a result of fluid accumulation and immune cell delivery, occurs almost immediately after exercise. This swelling typically lasts 3-4 days but may take as many as 7 to subside. "

This is correct