Hi I'm new. I just had a question. I've been exercising 3 days a week (walking) for 30 minutes. I'm proud of myself because I've been sticking to my routine. Next week I'm going to add some toning and hopefully later on yoga. Anyway, after I get done exercising and get dressed I feel fatter than I did before. Does anyone else ever feel this way? I think it's odd because I'm doing something about it you know? Well, any replies will be appreciated.

There's some debate about this on another thread, but my trainer has always told me that your muscles retain water and swell after exercise, so you weigh heavier, so that may make you feel heavier. Your swollen muscles might make your fat feel a bit squishier!!! I know i sometimes feel like that.

The other thing I find is that as you exercise, you become more aware and in touch with your body, and psychologically you might feel a bit fatter because you are more aware of your body and its current state and limitations. The plus side is that as you exercise and lose weight, you will start to see the changes and feel better within your body. I am sure I am much more aware of the changes since I have been exercising regularly. Nothing like lifting weights in front of a massive mirror in the gym to highlight the changes in your body!!!

Thanks for the reply. I never knew that you swell after you exercise. That's very interesting and I will keep it in mind.

I never knew that either, I thought it was from fatigue. My legs usually feel like dead weight.

Ky said it right!! It has happened to me also. Don't let it get you down. Keep up the good work and you'll see results!!


emerald dragonfly

And be sure to drink plenty of water -- it may seem counterintuitive that if your muscles are retaining that you should drink more... but if ever you are short on water your body will start to hoard it.
Drink, drink, drink and then you'll release that extra water more easily.

And water's tasty, anyway.