We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Exercise and weight spikes

Jthanmyfitnesspal
Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I’m doing very well since 1/1, but I see a definite trend:

I do bigger workouts on certain days, and these are often followed by a 1-2lb weight spike the next day. (An exception is if I do cardio and don’t properly hydrate.) This is kind of new as I get older. I associate it with a little swelling, which goes away in another day.

The workout could be an hour of spinning, a 45min jog on the treadmill, a hike, or a weight set, particularly involving squats (I don’t go very heavy).

Anyone else notice this? It seems like the reverse used to happen!

Anyone
Tagged:

Replies

  • claireychn074
    claireychn074 Posts: 1,765 Member
    Yes it happens to me. On deload week I lose 1-2kgs - presumably as my muscles release their water. And it goes right back on when I start working hard again!
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,196 Member
    Yeah, it's normal. Your body holds onto water for healing after the workout. Your body also holds onto water after flights, but only to spite you. 😈
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,538 Member
    When I restart lifting after a break, yes. Not usually after rowing or cycling. Since I know it's just water retention shifts, it barely registers mentally anymore.

    There are so many things that cause one to a few pound blips day-to-day for me. I just put today's weight in Libra, pay attention to the trend.

    I do suspect some of the water retention - from any cause - hangs on a little longer recently than it used to, but I haven't really analyzed it.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member
    It happened the last time I tried jogging on the treadmill. I'm recovering from a back injury and only slowly re-introducing jogging. It makes me sore and, I guess, puffy!

    At times, I've done jogs and LOST 2 lbs overnight afterward. Now, I temporarily gain the 2lbs. It's all due to my new friend edema.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,803 Member
    If I have any sort of DOMS, I have a jump on the scale. It's due to the retention of fluid for repair. It was disheartening at the start, but now I know to look for the ouch as an explanation haha.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member

    Lots of exercise for the past several days. Weight has been steady, although I've remained with a calorie deficit (at least "on paper"). Today is a slow day (desk work), but I'll walk the dog at 5. Perhaps I'll show some weight loss in the morning!

  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member

    No! I had a 2lb weight spike today! Assuming my scale is working properly, maybe it's due to eating salty Thai soup for dinner. Hmmm…

  • Corina1143
    Corina1143 Posts: 4,297 Member
    edited March 7

    Yes, my weight seems to vary more than other people.

    I exercised Tuesday, always eat less on days i exercise, more the next day.

    Felt bad Wednesday so didn't eat as much.

    Exercised Thursday, then felt really bad, so didn't eat or drink much.

    6 pounds lighter today. Feel good. Eating everything in sight. I'll probably gain it all back by tomorrow.

    So exercise really affects my weight.

  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member

    @corina1143 : That sounds like me when I'm not specifically trying to cut. Particularly on the day after really big efforts, like a big hike. I'll totally let into my cravings for food! And, that's not a bad thing, as I'll need to re-feed, but only to a reasonable limit.

    The salt thing may be one of my bigger new challenges! 🤔

  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,557 Member

    @yirara : if you start reasonably light, you might surprise yourself!

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,196 Member

    I decided to start with strength training againt today. Forget about waterweight spikes.

Categories