I'm Working Out, Why Am I Gaining Weight?

Why Am I Gaining Weight if I'm Working Out?

This is a valid question and completely normal if you just started to workout. If your goal is to lose weight, your first instinct is to diet and workout as much as possible. But when that number on the scale starts creeping up you may be wondering what you're doing wrong?

This is normal, don't panic and don't stop working out! What happens when you start working out is that your muscles are under stress, causing micro tears and this will cause you to retain more water. Your body might also start to store more glycogen in your muscles in preparation of the next time you workout. All of this is completely normal and all you need to do is give your body time to adjust. ​

What you need to do is just stay the course. Continue working out and stay consistent. If you do this you will start to see your body fat levels and weight drop.

Things you can do to help the process is make sure that you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated. The minimum you should be drinking is half your body weight in ounces. So if you weight 120 pounds you should be drinking at least 60oz of water. More if you workout.

Related: Best Workout for a Bikini Ready Body​

Wait to Step on the Scale​

Don't look for over night miracles. Its going to take your body time to adjust and lose body fat. As your body is building new muscle and adjusting body fat levels, try to stay off the scale to avoid getting discouraged. Building muscle ill cause you to weight more, but you will have less body fat. So pay attention to how your clothes are fitting instead of jumping on the scale.

8 weeks is the amount of time that you should continue working out before your muscles and water weight begin to stabilize. After 8 weeks of exercising regularly you will have a more accurate number on the scale. ​

Strength Train

Many women avoid strength training because they fear they will end up with bulky muscles. This is a fitness myth! Strength training is important to burning fat and it is better for burning fat that cardio. With strength training your are building lean muscle and increasing the "after-burn" effect. This means you are boosting your metabolism and your body will continue to burn more fat 24/7.

You don't need weights or weight machines from the gym to get a strength training workout. Some of the most effective strength training workouts are using your own body weight. Bodyweight burn is a example of a well-rounded bodyweight strength training program that would help women build lean muscle and lose body fat.  ​

Related: Best Workout for a Bikini Ready Body​

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