hello!!
a quick question for the people in the know:

i read somewhere that when you're sore from excersising your muscles retain water. I am not sure if it's true or not, and i cannot even remember where i read it.
so, the question is: is this a fact?
and if so, how much water would be realistic an average? 100g? 200g? a whole kilo?
any insight would be great, as I have started excersising, i am sore allllll over and I do not want to get discouraged on the scale if the water retention is true.

xx grrrkgrrrl

Water acts as both a stabiliser and heat conductor. When u work hard u tear the muscles which then rebuild as stronger and thicker fibres. To do this blood rushes to the area to deliver the nutrients required leading to alot if heat. The water is stored around the damaged area to regulate the heat and act as a sort of stabilizer to the area. Think swelling in a sprained ankle, the water holds the joint still.

Heavy weight work will retain water. The bigger the muscle group the higher the amount if water. Glutes and quads will hold many times more than biceps due to the size difference.

As for the amount well how long is a piece if string? Depends in muscle size amount of repair needed your body size. Someone at 150 won't hold the dame as me at 300. After a really heavy legs day I can see anything up to 3lb but it only lasts 2 or do days

thanks, very insightful!
i know what u mean by "how long is a piece of string", but i wanted to see basically if it could be a significant amount --which your case illustrates it is possible-- or if it's one of those things that even though it happens doesn't really affect the scale.

Oh yes, it can be very very signficant. My first marathon go round I would gain 5-8 lbs after every long run. Now that I am fitter it is significantly less, but I was still up 3-4 after the race itself.