Question - on working out?

MISSMILL3405
MISSMILL3405 Posts: 23 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I have started getting back into weight lifting at the gym and I'm loving every minute of it. However, last night when I worked out I went to bed feeling slim and trim (at least in my eyes:). Anywho, this morning when I woke up I felt my stomach had grown 3 inches around. I'm sore in certain areas so I know I got a good workout but I've never had this happen. This may be silly but do you muscles swell? Could it just be Water? I drink a ton of it everyday. Any ideas......anyone????

Replies

  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    You got it! Yes after lifting or very intense exercise your muscles will retain water to repair themselves. Just keep at it and drink TONS of water. It will all even out eventually!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.
  • sdrawkcabynot
    sdrawkcabynot Posts: 462 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?

    Absolutely!
    Drink plenty of water to wash out excess retained water, minimizing this effect!
  • texastumbleweed1
    texastumbleweed1 Posts: 30
    I'm so glad you brought that up. I started the 30 day shred 3 days ago and before that was doing zumba, and noticed I havent lost weight this week. Couldnt imagine why, been eating really healthy and drinking water. That just made me feel better. Thank you :happy:
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?

    Or more
  • sdrawkcabynot
    sdrawkcabynot Posts: 462 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?

    Absolutely!
    Drink plenty of water to wash out excess retained water, minimizing this effect!

    GOING TO FILL UP MY CUP RIGHT NOW! :D
  • DL121004
    DL121004 Posts: 214 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?

    Or more

    Absolutely.

    1 liter of water weighs 1 kg, so 8 ounces of water weighs ~0.5 pounds.
  • gastankerdriver
    gastankerdriver Posts: 162
    Three inches seems a little excessive. I can't help but wonder if it is diet related. Certain foods can create as much as a quart and a half of gas. Dairy products are some of the worst offenders when it comes to flatulence.
  • AbiNichole
    AbiNichole Posts: 300 Member
    This happened to me too this AM! I'm so glad I'm not going crazy. Feel just a little "bigger" around the middle. I only weigh in once a week and try to time my weight lifting so that it's not the day before a weigh in.

    Thanks for the info peeps!
  • drewbird911
    drewbird911 Posts: 117 Member
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomyolysis

    Sorry But it was the first thing I thought of not likely, but you may want to consult a health professional.....
  • sdrawkcabynot
    sdrawkcabynot Posts: 462 Member
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomyolysis

    Sorry But it was the first thing I thought of not likely, but you may want to consult a health professional.....

    I have seen this on discovery health on that "Mystery Diagnosis" or whatever it is called. Hopefully anyone that has pee come out in the color of coffee would go straight to the doctor!
  • sdrawkcabynot
    sdrawkcabynot Posts: 462 Member
    Yes, after a workout or just starting a new program or increasing intensity your muscle will retain excess water. This is to repair the micro tears caused from the workout and will aid in recovery. Once your body gets use to the exercise the muscles will shed most of the excess water.

    So this can also account for a few added pounds (1-2) after a few days of intense workouts?

    And this is explains why I feel more trim in my midsection - but the scale disagrees... I knew I should have started with measurements instead of weight.

    Or more

    Absolutely.

    1 liter of water weighs 1 kg, so 8 ounces of water weighs ~0.5 pounds.
  • jgibson2
    jgibson2 Posts: 20 Member
    It can also be a sign that your body has gone into Ketosis. I've done this before when dieting extremely hard for a amatuer BB contest. Your breath will be bad, sweat will stink......not exactly the best thing either b/c it also means your body could be breaking down muscle for energy. Just means you need to raise your carbohydrate intake to match your activity level.

    Explanation on water within the muscles -http://www.livestrong.com/article/406332-do-muscles-retain-water-after-a-new-exercise-program/

    Don't be afraid of water gain after exercise. Here's a good article on why proper rehydration is key to recovery. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/026404197367308
  • MISSMILL3405
    MISSMILL3405 Posts: 23 Member
    Wow.....Thanks Guys and Gals for all the feedback. I really appreciate it and I feel so much better knowing I'm not crazy. The 3" around my waist was PROBABLY more of an exaggeration but I needed to get my point across. I don't think I will be checking out a doctor just yet but if it continues I will defiantly go see about it. Oh, and just for the record, no coffee colored pee it's as clear as can be. LOL!
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