Tag: #ElectrolytesMatter

Posted on

Why You Might Gain Weight After Intense Workouts

(Even If You’re Getting Stronger)

This weekend wrecked me. In the best way, and also in the what is happening to my body kind of way.

I did a high-level, three-hour derby practice that pushed every limit I had. Then I turned around the next day and ran a full mud run. We’re talking slick hills, army crawls, water pits, and laughing so hard my ribs hurt. My legs were toast, my face sunburned, and my body? Puffier than a can of biscuits in July heat.

When I stepped on the scale Monday morning, I was almost four pounds heavier than the day before.

But here’s the thing. I didn’t gain four pounds of fat.
I didn’t backslide.
I’m not undoing my progress.
And if this sounds familiar to you, neither are you.

This is one of the most common experiences people have after a tough workout. Weight gain after intense exercise is real, but it isn’t what you think.

Why Your Body Holds Onto Weight After a Workout

When you train hard, especially multiple days in a row, your body goes into full repair mode. And that comes with some misunderstood side effects.

Inflammation From Muscle Repair

Intense activity creates tiny tears in your muscle fibers. That’s how you get stronger. Your body sends extra fluid and immune cells to repair the damage. The result? Swelling, puffiness, and water retention. Not fat gain.

Glycogen Storage Brings Water With It

After depleting your energy stores, your body works to restock. Glycogen, which is stored carbohydrate, binds to water. For every gram of glycogen, your body holds onto three to four grams of water. So when your muscles refuel, your weight temporarily goes up.

Cortisol Triggers Fluid Retention

Physical stress, even the positive kind, spikes cortisol. That hormone helps with repair but also causes your body to hold onto water, especially in the face and legs.

Lymphatic Slowdown

Your lymph system flushes out waste and excess fluid. After big exertion, it can get overwhelmed. Fluid may pool, leading to puffiness in the face, legs, and hands.

What I’m Doing to Recover (and What Might Help You Too)

Because this is about care, not panic!

  • Hydration, but make it electrolytes. Water alone isn’t enough. Electrolytes help pull fluid into cells where it belongs and flush the rest.
    • I’m a big fan of LMNT, but I’m also a champagne girl on a beer budget; lately I’ve been loving these electrolyte sticks that I find highly comparable to LMNT for a much lower price point!
  • Movement that doesn’t suck. I’m walking, stretching, and foam rolling. Nothing heroic. Just keeping things flowing.
  • Sleep. Not always easy, but non-negotiable. That’s when the real repair happens.
  • Compression. I’m not above rocking my derby leggings off-track. They help.
  • Magnesium. It eases soreness, supports muscle repair, and helps release excess fluid.
  • Not cutting food. My body needs fuel right now, not punishment.

This Is What Getting Stronger Looks Like

We’re so conditioned to fear the scale. To see a few extra pounds and think we failed.

But in reality, this kind of temporary weight gain is a sign that your body is healing. Muscles are repairing. Systems are rebalancing. You are getting stronger, not slipping backward.

Post-workout inflammation and water retention are normal parts of recovery, especially for women lifting heavy, training hard, or pushing limits in sports like derby.

So if you’ve ever felt confused or discouraged by scale fluctuations after a hard weekend, let this be your reminder.

You didn’t gain weight.
You gained progress!

That’s the kind of weight I’ll carry it proudly.

xoxo
-S

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Posted on

Beyond Hydration

How Electrolytes Support Skin, Anti-Aging, and Overall Wellness

When someone says “electrolytes,” what do you think of? If you’re like most people, your mind probably goes straight to sports drinks and hydration. I used to think of electrolytes only in terms of quenching thirst or getting through a tough workout. But in the last few years, I’ve discovered how essential they are for so much more than just hydration – especially when it comes to aging gracefully, caring for my skin, and feeling my best each day.

If you’re curious (like I was) about what electrolytes really do for us, here’s a look at why they’re worth more than a casual thought.

Electrolytes and Hydration – But It’s Not Just About Thirst

Yes, electrolytes are essential for hydration. They help your body absorb water effectively, so every cell can function at its best. Think of electrolytes as your body’s hydration management team – sodium, potassium, and magnesium all working together to keep your body’s water levels balanced. But here’s where it gets more interesting: by keeping every cell hydrated, electrolytes also play a role in the long game of skin health and aging.

Electrolytes and Skin Health: The Inside-Out Glow

Dehydrated skin is often one of the first signs of imbalanced electrolytes, and it’s not just about looking “dry.” When our skin loses moisture, it can feel tight, sensitive, or even start to lose its bounce. Personally, I noticed this most when my skin started looking dull despite all the serums and moisturizers I’d been using religiously. Adding electrolytes into my daily routine felt like a missing puzzle piece – like my skin was finally getting that deep, lasting hydration it craved.

Electrolytes help to maintain that delicate balance by allowing our cells to hold onto moisture. Potassium, for example, works to keep fluid inside the cells, while magnesium helps with water retention at a cellular level, so skin stays hydrated and smooth. So now, rather than feeling like I’m chasing a glow with products, I’m actually nourishing it from within.

The Anti-Aging Secret: Electrolytes for the Long Run

Now, I’m not saying electrolytes are the secret to eternal youth – but they do support some of the processes that keep us looking and feeling youthful. Magnesium, one of the superstar electrolytes, is a natural antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress (the culprit behind those fine lines and wrinkles). Over time, supporting your body with a steady intake of magnesium and other electrolytes means you’re giving your skin the tools to combat daily stressors.

It’s like I’m investing in the future of my skin – staying hydrated, keeping cells happy, and supporting natural elasticity that otherwise tends to fade with age. While I’ll always love a good serum, there’s something empowering about knowing I’m nourishing my skin from the inside out.

Beyond Beauty: Electrolytes for Energy and Muscle Health

I started paying attention to electrolytes initially to support my energy levels, especially after long days or workouts. But over time, I’ve realized just how much they impact muscle health and recovery. If you’re someone who loves staying active, you know how frustrating it can be to feel sore and sluggish the next day. Electrolytes reduce muscle cramping, fatigue, and help prevent that “burned-out” feeling. I’ve noticed that on days when I’m consistent with electrolytes, I feel sharper, more energetic, and just… better.

Finding My Go-To: Why I Love LMNT

Not all electrolyte supplements are created equal, and after trying more than a few, I found LMNT. What really drew me to LMNT was their no-nonsense approach – no sugars, no fillers. It’s just pure electrolytes, in a balance that works. It’s great for a hot day, a tough workout, or even just those days when I need a little extra boost. And honestly, the flavors are surprisingly good, which doesn’t hurt!

So, if you’re on the fence, or maybe like I was, just assuming electrolytes are only for sports drinks, try it. I think of electrolytes as my little daily investment in feeling good, looking fresh, and keeping my body balanced from within.

Final Thoughts: Electrolytes are more than a quick fix. They’re a way to support yourself, to keep each cell in your body happy, and to feel your best, no matter what the day brings. Whether it’s for skin, energy, or just taking care of yourself, they’re worth a spot in your routine.

And if you’re curious, I wholeheartedly recommend giving LMNT a try. I actually reached out to LMNT personally about a potential sponsorship for my roller derby team, and they were incredibly generous. They sent my team a big batch of their product, completely free, to keep us hydrated and ready for every practice and game for quite a while. Knowing a brand like LMNT is willing to support grassroots communities like ours just made me trust them even more. It’s one small change that can lead to a world of difference – both on and off the track!

xoxo
-S