why do we gain weight when we first start exercising

I just read this very interesting article I just started exercising to lose weight, but I've gained weight. Why did this happen? It's true that many people either gain a little weight or don't see any change on the scale for as long as 4-6 weeks after making a significant change in their level of exercise. This is often explained as "gaining muscle while losing fat" but that isn't quite accurate. This extra weight is usually water. When you start doing more exercise, your body begins storing more fuel in your muscle cells, where it can be used easily and quickly to fuel your workouts. The process of converting glucose (carbohydrates) into fuel that your muscles actually store and use (glycogen) requires three molecules of water for every molecule of glucose. As your muscles are building up glycogen stores, your body has to retain extra water for this purpose. That's what causes most of the initial weight gain or lack of weight loss. This is a good thing--not something to worry about. However, despite what the scale says, you are actually losing fat during this time. The extra water retention will stop once your body has adjusted to its new activity level. At that point, the scale should start moving down. You'll end up with less fat, and muscles that can handle a larger amount of work. Written by Dean Anderson, Certified Personal Trainer

Thanks for posting this - I really up'd my work out and did gain.... I freaked! This now explains what was going on. I know I need to relax - my clothes don't fit any tighter and are actually fitting different. The scale is not always a friend but not always an enemy either!

Willow, Would you please post this on the FL board, or may I have your permission to copy & paste the post there for you. I think everyone would like to see this info. It explains something that seems to bother a lot of folks. Thanks for passing it along. Vickie J.

please share it, I copied iy from someone else , whose name is included at the bottom. Iy all can be so frustrating. another reason to not focus somuch on the scale.

This is VERY interesting - thanks for posting this information! Carol

Willow: Thanks for posting an explanation on this. This has always happened to me, and I got to the point where I expected it and didn't get upset anymore, but it's nice to see it explained. Thanks. Carlita

Willow, were you reading my mind??? I was going to post a question about this very topic yesterday, but never got around to it. I was wondering why when I'm doing 5miles per day, 4-5days per week am I not losing any weight, but when I drop back to 2 or 3 miles daily 4-5x's per week I lose weight?!?!?! Well, this explains it. So, my follow up question is, should we stick with a lighter workout rountine to continue to maintain and/or lose weight or should we push ourselved, up the workout and maintain and/or gain at first. I'm not sure which is better~to go slow and steady or to pu**** to the limit???? Thanks in advance!!! Tracy B

I am not an expert, but i try to mix it up and not do the same workout or the same intensity 2 days in a row. i altternate weight training, cardio and yoga.

Thanks Willow, very good information. LisaMarie