Anyone noticed weight gain after starting an exercise regime?

Question

I've been running for a week (about 3-4 miles a day) and gained about 2 lbs in FAT, not muscle... FAT as in I can see it on me... what's happening...?

Answer 1

Exercise causes some bodily changes that may temporarily bump up your body weight. Your muscles not only get bigger and stronger, but their chemistry changes too. That is, you increase certain types of enzymes that cause your muscles to store more glycogen (carbohydrate stores). Glycogen is a "hydrophilic" compound, which means it attracts water. So that extra glycogen in your muscle cells also makes some extra room for water to move in. This can add some weight.



Bottom line: You want to see the number on the scale drop. Give it time. As you continue with your exercise routine and begin losing fat, you will see a drop in both body weight and clothing size. You actually come out ahead in the long run. Building muscle increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories during exercise and at rest.

Answer 2

Have you been eating more as you're more hungry?
Bear in mind the muscle is under the fat, so if there's a lot and the fat hasn't gone the fat could show more.
Use a body fat monitor, then it's easier to keep track.

Answer 3

You are burning off fat and turning it into muscle - muscle tissue is heavier than fat (fat floats on water, lean meat sinks), and the new muscle is pushing the fat layer outwards under your skin. in a month or two, that fat layer will have all burned away and your muscles will define your body shape. best of luck with your new exercise regime !

Answer 4

Dr. John M Berardi, Ph.D. seems to know what he is writing about with Cardio Progressions. < http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/training/cardio_progressions.htm >