working out intensely but gaining weight

heidirn2003
heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I started running in November 2009 and it took 6 months before I lost any weight. At first I gained and felt like the "incredible hulk" wripping through my clothing but then in July 2010 dropped 25 pounds. In January 2011 I've gained back 10 and cant shake it. I work out intensely 5-7 days per week (usually 5) Includes 90 mins plus of cardio (running at incline of 1-2% for 3.5-5.5 miles at speed of 6.8-7.5mph) stairmaster at resistance 5 and arc trainer interval (fat burning) I also do cybex machines but lower weight high reps (for toning) My question is Why all of the sudden am I gaining weight? It truly does feel like water retention mainly in my legs thighs hips and maybe alittle in my abd. Does anyone have an explanation for this? What do I do to drop the extra weight? My clothes are getting tighter.......

Replies

  • biggiwig
    biggiwig Posts: 76
    Are you already at your ideal/normal weight and gain muscle weight, water? Check your fat percentage.
  • hikingmonk
    hikingmonk Posts: 134 Member
    If you open up your food diary we can take a look at make more educated guesses, but a few things to try regardless...

    - more rest days. Sometimes working out a lot can be stressful on the body, especially cardio, plus cycling your training routine can help shake up the metabolism.

    - check sodium vs potassium levels (most of us need less sodium and more potassium), this will help with water retention

    - try calorie cycling. Have a higher calorie day from time to time (preferably healthy foods of course).

    - check your medications, if any. Many can cause water retention or metabolism issues. Not saying you can do much here, but be aware of potential side effects.
  • mommy2josh
    mommy2josh Posts: 21
    are you eating your exercise calories?
  • Hemis_mom
    Hemis_mom Posts: 193 Member
    Have you been checked out by a doctor for any Thyroid issues??? If you have a Thyroid issue it could be throwing off your metabolism.
  • squeaktones
    squeaktones Posts: 195 Member
    if you are drinking all the water they say to drink you are getting 4 pounds of water right there. if you can try to eat some asparagus since that is a natural diaretic it will help you pee more. though it will be kinda smelly but that is normal for asparagus. ditto on your sodium. even you aren't adding any to your food and are eating processed food or drinking something like diet soda ( diet rite has none) vitamain water, fruit 2 o, propel, or even crystal light on the go you are adding sodium that most people don't even think about.
  • heidirn2003
    heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
    Checking my body fat percentage meaning if I was gaining weight due to muscle mass the % would decrease and potentially the weight gain could be secondary to not only muscle gain but water retention too???
  • heidirn2003
    heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
    Thanks for the pointers. So much of that makes sense. I try to stick closely to the 1200 cal day diet. I was wondering if maybe my division of PRO vs CHO was poor. Not sure how I'd fix that but???? I'll check out my meds though, I was thinking about that myself however, I've been on them for 7 years and the other for a year. One is actually a diuretic but I recall reading that long term use can cause water retention. I'll do some research. Thanks
  • heidirn2003
    heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
    I'd be lieing if I said I didn't eat more on heavy workout days simply bc I know I'm burning more. But I don't think it's even close to going over or eating my exercise calories. It does however seem weird to me that I should eat 1200 cal/day burn 1000 and be allowed to eat those too. Maybe I shouldn't use MFP cal tracker, it seems to be messing with my brain:( OMG I just realized that I am probably eating those calories! Thanks for the eye opener!!
  • heidirn2003
    heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
    Yes I have labs drawn this week and a check up in two weeks. My NP doubts its my thyroid however I do have "insulin resistance" so it may be a number of hormones I suppose. Although that would just be an excuse.
  • heidirn2003
    heidirn2003 Posts: 20 Member
    According to BMI I'm normal, according to weight for height ratio I'm normal, but so is 10 pounds less WHICH I weighed a few months ago and would like to go back there> I feel soooo bloated it really stinks.
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