weight loss

Why do I weigh more after working out?!

A common question asked by people concerned about losing or maintaining a specific weight. Now I hate weighing in..you should base your lifestyle off of how you feel..not how much you weigh. But hey, people like to track their weight!

A question came up this weekend from a friend. She is an active adult athlete that completed a 12+ hour ruck event. The days following, her weight was up, despite a half a day worth of training. A few things happen during the event and following the event.

Our body wants to get back to a balanced level; homeostasis. During the event, glycogen was depleted and muscle fibers were torn/damaged. So, your body is attempting to return to a healthy status. 

1️⃣ Increased carbohydrate intake following exercise helps to replenish muscle and liver glycogen. Glycogen is osmotically active, a fancy term for holding water. So in turn, this refueling process increases our overall fluid retention. 

2️⃣ Rapid or severe decrease in water and electrolytes (from exhaustive exercise for example), can activate the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates water and electrolyte levels in the body. It also regulates blood volume and blood pressure. A 12+ hour ruck can stimulate aldosterone which stimulates sodium reabsorption, further leading to water retention.

This is a normal process! Don't panic. Your body will regulate everything as long as you're following appropriate eating habits and take the time to recover. 


Written By Ryan Richmond: @Richmond_Performance