You’ve been working out for months and have found that instead of losing weight like you wanted, you’ve gained it instead. What’s the deal? Exercising means you’ll lose weight, not gain it, right? Not all the time. If you have been working out religiously and have seen your scale number rise, don’t panic. Here are a few reasons you may be gaining weight after exercising.
Not Doing the Right Exercises
Are you going to the gym and only lifting weights or running on the treadmill? That could be a reason for your weight gain. If you focus on only one exercise, your body becomes used to it and no longer has to put any effort into it. As a result, you don’t lose weight or get fit.
To remedy this mistake, mix up your exercise routine. Do a combination of both cardio and strength workouts to keep your body challenged and target all areas of your body. Doing so will keep you strong and challenged.
Overeating after Workouts
Do you work out and then immediately head for the fridge for a post-exercise snack? That habit may be contributing to your weight gain. You’re consuming more calories than you’re burning, rendering your exercise practically moot and causing you to gain weight.
However, that doesn’t mean skip meals or drastically reduce your calorie intake to compensate. Doing so will only lower your metabolic rate and cause your body to store extra fat. Balance your workouts with a healthy diet of:
- Lean meats
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
Building Lean Muscle
It’s not all “doom and gloom” when it comes to gaining weight after exercising. If you’ve been dedicated to your varied workout routine and balanced diet and are still gaining weight, it could be that you’re building lean muscle mass.
As you build muscle, chances are that you’re going to gain weight instead of lose it. Don’t think of this change as “getting fat.” As we’ve mentioned before, a fit body will look different from person to person. It’s not “one size fits all.” If two people the same size weigh the same amount, but the other looks skinnier, it’s okay.
Many people will give up exercise if they see weight gain instead of loss, thinking they’re “not meant for exercise.” Don’t fall into this trap. If you’re gaining weight after exercising, determine what could be causing it and adjust accordingly. If you are unsure where to start, consider hiring a personal trainer.