feeling big and bloaty after ab work.

[Mar]

I've recently done more ab work than I was previously using Cathe's videos. It seems in the last week, If feel incredibly bloated and uncomfortable in the waist. It also feels like I've gained 10 pounds there. At first I thought I have a stomach bug, but I don't think so. I don't know if it's related to ab work. Has any one else experienced this?

Thanks

Celebrate Diversity!

 

[tjaded]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jan-09-03 AT 07:57PM (Est)[/font][p]I only feel this way during my monthly bloat which lasts
all of 7 day's and I am miserable. Could this possibly be happening to you?

 

[getnfit@39]

I remember either reading this or hearing this on a program, but it was said that if you hold your breath during abdominal work, or don't use correct breathing as in exhaling the air as you lift (crunch) you can actually make your abs bigger or puffier rather than flat.

Could this be something that's happening? I don't know how much truth there is to that, I just know it keeps me mindful to exhale forcefully on the crunch! Last thing I need is a wider waistline!

Donna

Fitness~It's a journey, not a race!

 

[Mar]

I also heard this about holding your breath. Thanks for the input.

 

[lynn]

Hi Mar-

Are you doing extremely intense ab work, that you aren't customarily used to doing?

I have found that when I have worked a body part really really intensely, the next couple of days, it gets kind of swollen. I really notice this in my legs, and in fact, I will actually gain an extra pound or so, from water retention after a particularly grueling session.

I had since found out that when you are REALLY working your muscles, you are actually kind of damaging them, which results in the swelling. When your muscles repair themselves, that is what is giving them the growth/strength gains.The bloat/swelling goes away. What is left is increased muscle gain.

If you think this might be what is going on, I would suggest giving yourself a couple of rest days in between your ab workouts and see if the bloating minimizes.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Lynn

 

[Mar]

I think you hit the nail on the head. I actually feel better today. Thanks.

Mary Ann

 

[trprwife]

hi Mar

I am almost in a way glad to read your post. I too have been experiencing some of what you have said. I am getting discouraged because my clothes actually seem to be tighter in that area than looser. i've been doing ab work pretty intensly 5 days a week for about 2 months....but i have never done ab work before....I hate working that area, but that is where i need it the most. i will have to try what was suggested and give myself some more rest time in between workouts, or maybe i will not work my abs for the full 20 minutes. thanks for the post, it has helped me out as well.

Kim