Why is there initial weight gain when starting a new exercise program?

When you start an exercise routine, do you find that you actually gain weight rather than lose? Well, this is not uncommon. There is actually a physiological reason why this occurs. The common myth is that your body is gaining muscle while losing fat. Although this does happen, it takes a while before you would actually see this kind of weight gain on the scale.

What you need to know is how your body responds to a drastic change in physical activity. In order to do work, you muscles require energy. This energy is made from glucose (sugar). The process (glycogenesis) that converts glucose into energy that is stored and used by your muscles (glycogen) requires 3 molecules of water for every 1 molecule of glucose. Thus, your body must retain water so that it can make glycogen - don't worry, this is a good thing!

As your body adjusts to the increased level of physical activity, it will become more efficient at the process of making glycogen and thus you will no longer need to retain as much water. This is usually when you would notice a sudden drop on the scale. It's not that you've actually lost that weight all of the sudden - you have actually been losing fat during the entire process - but rather, you simply got rid of the excess water. The end result is your body having less fat content and muscles that can handle a lot more work (physical activity).

In fact, I am experiencing this myself at the moment. I have significantly increased the frequency and intensity of my workouts in the past week and I have actually gained 3lbs! But I know it will come off and then some within the next month or so.

So don't worry about that initial weight gain when you start a new exercise routine, it's only temporary!

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