Retaining water

lorigrocks
lorigrocks Posts: 123 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I was told that when you exercise you tend to retain water...why is that? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? While I know working out is excellent - I don't like the retaining water part. I have noticed that after my hour workout of kickboxing my belly looks and feels bigger - almost bloated!!

Replies

  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    It is completely normal and is neither good nor bad. If anything it is good because it is due to increased glycogen in your muscles due to the activity. Your muscles use the glycogen for fuel during your workouts. When you suddenly increase activity, your body stores more glyocgen in anticipation of the next workout. Glycogen requires water to be stored, which is what accounts for the "water weight'.
    It is not your typical bloat/water weight. Mostly, you wouldn't even notice it except for on the scale.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    muscle soreness = water weight. It is what it is. Just take it into account and don't weigh in until a couple of days after the soreness goes away if you're the type to stress over the number on the scale.

    Can't say I've ever had belly bloating after exercise -- that sounds wierd.
  • kates232
    kates232 Posts: 8 Member
    I know exactly what you mean by the bloated feeling... I can't explain but I feel your pain! Sometimes come out of the gym feeling "fatter" than when I went in...seems opposite. But I've also been reading a bit about the water retention linked to muscle repair, so seems totally normal and you're not alone!

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