[twinsplusone]

I got a new piece of equipment a couple of days ago and absolutely love it. When I got on the scale this morning I gained two pounds. What is the usual amount a person will gain when they start strength training and when will it go away?!?!?!? I read in a previous post that the weight gain is caused by the muscles retaining fluid. How long does this last? HELP!!!

[srmb60]

I keep meaning to research that some more. But man I spend too much time on the computer!
But back to the point .... this happened to me today. I've been way more careful the last 4 or 5 days and have been watching the scale needle drift toward another pound lost.
Yesterday, I did heavy legs.
Today there was needle drift but not downward!
But I know ... knowledge is strength ... I know what it is. It's not fat. I did everything right in the battle against fat. It's not fat.
It looks discouraging ... should be encouraging. I know what it is and must carry on.

[blues4miles]

I thought it was about a day for muscles...I thought they got somewhat swollen, so if you did them the night before you might be higher the next morning. However, if eventually the goal is to do strength training say 3 times a week (or maybe even six if you are swapping upper/lower body) maybe your weight would eventually stay steady at a "higher" point than natural so long as you kept strength training? I don't really know, like Susan I've often wondered but yet to look into it...where are the knowledgeable lifters on this forum, I'm sure they'll have some answers.

[twinsplusone]

I'm glad I'm not alone in this. How long does it last?

[twinsplusone]

That kinda makes you not want to lift huh? Even though I know in the long run it is good for me.

[lumifan4ever]

when i worked my thighs reeeeeeeallllly hard last friday, my legs were soooooo sore for like 3 days. i gained 4 pounds over the weekend. but i knew it was just water weight and such, aiding in the process of healing my poor sore thighs. i haven't worked my legs that hard this week, so here it is 5 days later, and my weight is back down to normal. so, it depends on how hard you worked your body, it could be anywhere from 2 to 5 days to see the scale go back down. but don't get discouraged over it. i know it's easy to, but i just kept plugging away this week and i am back to my wonderful 177.

[Heather]

Yeah, I gained a pound this week and did everything right. It happens. Don't sweat that pound or two (or four...).

[SherryA]

How long does it last? Depends on whether you keep doing it or not. Weight lifting is wonderful for losing size. But the extra fluid will last probably as long as you keep lifting.

I did BFL (Body for Life) exercises for 12 weeks. Lifted 3 days a week, cardio the other 3 with one day off. When I was done with the program and stopped lifting for awhile, it took about 2 weeks for my water levels to show the weight I had before I started the program. I didn't lose a pound during that time, but I lost a lot of fat and gained a lot of muscle.