Can strength training make you larger?

Pril2000
Pril2000 Posts: 254 Member
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been running more and more the last few months. I've never been a runner before but I ran my first 5k in May and now I run regularly (4 times a week at least). I've been very good the last 3 weeks about incorporating a strength training routine at least twice a week into my workouts. I know that you shouldn't only do cardio. I'm happy with the results. My core is pretty strong and my midsection is a rock because I have great muscle going on now. I feel good about myself and how I am progressing with running.

My concern is this: I have gained about 3 lbs in the last month. Now, I haven't been completely strict with my calorie counting. I have been going over a little maybe once a week or so, but not so much that I would be gaining 3 lbs in a month. I have my calories set for a 1/2 lb a week loss and I usually stay at or under that goal.

My waist has increased half an inch. My husband says that because I'm doing core exercises so much that I'm gaining muscle and I'm getting bigger. I want to feel strong and I want to have a strong core and back, but I don't want to get bigger. Is he right? Is it the strength training? I do ab exercises with a 4lb medicine ball, push ups, squats, and planks.

Anyone know what might be going on? Should I just really pay attention to my calorie intake for a while or do I need to do something like pilates for leaner muscle?

I just want to be strong and healthy, but I also want to have a waist and still wear my size 8 dresses that I just bought last month. Lol. If it comes down to being strong OR being a size 8, I'll take being strong. I'd just like to be both.

Replies

  • beccarockslife
    beccarockslife Posts: 816 Member
    It may be that you are gaining muscle before the fat falls off. You'll see the scale changes eventually but if you don't have a problem with your weight there isn't much point watching it unless you are pigging out all the time.
  • Ashalahn_LMT
    Ashalahn_LMT Posts: 342 Member
    Can strength training make your larger? Yes, if done properly. Usually resistance training for size is done in the lower rep range, I believe 6-10. Usually to gain size you have to eat a calorie surplus as well. I doubt if you have gained 3 lbs of pure muscle in a month. It could be water, muscle growth, or diet (any combination of those 3). From what you have listed you aren't doing a routine that should add size to you. I'd just watch the calories for now, and also keep an eye on your measurements.
  • x13londierox
    x13londierox Posts: 1
    If you are still eating the same and still doing the same cardio then you shouldn't be gaining any fat. Muscle weighs more than fat does and since you have been building muscle this is most likely why you have gone up a few pounds. So I would say not to panic, your waist may have gotten bigger also but its just most likely the muscles in there. You sound like you are doing a fantastic job so keep up the good work. I wouldn't worry to much about what the scale says... just take a look in the mirror ;)
  • Arizona_JR
    Arizona_JR Posts: 275
    It can take many months to build a pound of muscle (even when you live like a bodybuilder). So unless you've been lifting really heavy and taking certain supplements, it's likely water weight or maybe just those unrecorded calories.
  • Pril2000
    Pril2000 Posts: 254 Member
    Thanks everyone. I will just watch my calories more closely and not worry as much over the scale and pay more attention to how I feel and how my clothes are fitting.

    I really appreciate it. I know I made it sound like I've only been doing the strength training for a short amount of time. I've been doing an irregular strength routine since August, so it's ongoing. I've just been better lately about doing it consistently.

    Thanks again for the input!!
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