Is muscle gain normal?

5lbs in 2 weeks seems a little high for it to all be coming from muscle. It does depend on your circumstance, for example a teenage boy going through adolescence has probably the best conditions for potential to rapidly grow muscle if they are working out and eating correctly. This is because they are going through rapid periods of growth from a huge increase in production of their own testosterone and growth hormone, but I would expect at the most it might be 3lbs in 2 weeks (being generous). Realistically, half a pound to a pound a week of muscle gain can occur if the right conditions are present. This includes sufficient energy consumption including protein intake and resistance training performed to stimulate muscle growth (hypertrophy training). You have to understand that your weight can naturally fluctuate up to 3-4lbs a day depending on your stomach contents, hydration level, energy store (glycogen) content, and bowel and bladder contents. It is why we say to weight yourself at the same time every day and under the same circumstances. The best time is going to be as soon as you wake up in the morning. This might be why your weight 'seems' to have increased by so much. You should also make sure you use the same scales each time as there is always a degree of error and inaccuracy with each scale.

Are you training to gain weight? Have you been lifting weights every day you workout and are you performing a 'split program'? Are you also consciously eating to fuel muscle growth (this means eting MORE than your daily caloric requirement)?

James

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James Kleinig 33k
4 months ago

I run a good 3 miles strength train, and do elliptical 5 days a week. I definitely do not eat more than my daily caloric requirement. I eat less. And that just may be my problem? I am trying to lose fat and gain muscle all at the same time. Most of my calorie intake comes from fruit, whole grains, and protein (wheat bread, meats, ect). After each workout, I drink 1 scoop of whey protein and eat a small container of portioned fruit. My most intense workouts are in the morning and usually hit the gym up again that afternoon or evening. Maybe I should measure my waist line and then remeasure about a week later to be certain it isn't fat I supposedly gained?
-Devin

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MemberDyersburg, TN

Devin Ellison 340
4 months ago

My initial thoughts with what you have said about your training and eating is that it is most like a fluctuation in your daily/weekly body weight rather than any true body composition change (either from body fat or muscle gain). Ensure you weigh yourself at the same time every day and it will certainly help with tracking your progress if you talk to your local Anytime Fitness trainers to have them perform a fitness assessment on you which includes body fat % and girth measurements (make sure you specifically request these measurements). The best gauge on progress and body composition transformation is always going to be how your clothes fit (this directly comes from your girth measurements). I am quite certain you don't have to panic and think it is coming from 'bad' weight. Keep up what you are doing and keep working hard. Your desired changes will come with time.

James

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James Kleinig 33k
4 months ago