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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
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Replies

  • claireychn074
    claireychn074 Posts: 1,764 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: 10,186 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: 35,534 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: 18,800 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: 4,295 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: 10,186 Member

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

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