Why does the body feel sore and weight increase after exercise?
May 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
There are many reasons for body aches and weight gain after exercise, such as lack of rhythmicity, excessive water intake, intense exercise leading to muscle gain, or overeating after strenuous workouts. In addition, it may also be related to soft tissue injuries, hypothyroidism, and other conditions. It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly if they experience significant physical discomfort to prevent the situation from worsening.
There are many reasons for body soreness and weight gain after exercise, such as lack of rhythm, excessive water intake, intense exercise leading to muscle gain, or overeating after overexertion. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive water intake due to lack of rhythm
Exercise is a rhythmic activity that requires different rhythms to activate muscles, adjust body movements and intensity, and enhance physical training. However, when exercising without proper rhythm, individuals may exert themselves too intensely and react excessively, resulting in muscle soreness. Additionally, consuming too much water during exercise—without sufficient excretion—can lead to noticeable weight gain due to water retention. In such cases, one should improve their exercise technique, stretch appropriately, and relieve muscle tension.
2. High-intensity exercise leading to increased muscle mass
Daily exercise may consume and burn body fat; however, if the exercise volume exceeds the body's tolerance, it can cause muscle soreness. Moreover, developing excessive muscle mass through intense training can also increase body weight. In this situation, attention should be paid to exercise methods, and post-exercise muscle massage is recommended to prevent excessive muscle buildup.
3. Overeating after excessive exercise
If someone who has not exercised for a long time suddenly begins working out, muscle cells may resort to anaerobic respiration, causing lactic acid to accumulate in muscle tissues and trigger muscle soreness. After exercise, feelings of fatigue and hunger often occur. If excessive food is consumed at this point, energy accumulates in the body, which may also lead to weight gain. Therefore, in addition to exercising moderately, it is essential to control diet after exercise.
Besides the above factors, conditions such as soft tissue injury or hypothyroidism may also contribute. It is recommended that individuals experiencing severe physical discomfort seek timely medical attention to prevent worsening of symptoms.
