If you’ve started strength training and noticed the number on the scale going up instead of down, don’t panic. Weight gain after strength training is not only normal—it can be a sign that your body is adapting and improving. In a recent article published by What’s Good by The Vitamin Shoppe, Flowell’s own physical therapist and recovery expert Jasper weighed in on this common (and misunderstood) experience.
Here’s what’s actually happening—and how Flowell helps your body recover smarter.
What Jasper Says About Weight Gain After Lifting Weights
Jasper explains that when you start a new strength-training program, your muscles experience small micro-tears. That’s a good thing—it’s how they grow stronger. However, these tears also trigger an inflammatory response, drawing water and nutrients into the tissue to aid in repair. That can lead to temporary water retention and a slight increase in body weight.
“You’re not gaining fat, you’re building muscle and storing more glycogen. That adds weight—but it’s productive weight.” (Jasper Kopreit, Physical Therapist)
Additionally, muscle weighs more than fat by volume. So while your weight might increase, your body composition is improving, and you may even look leaner despite the scale.
The Role of Recovery in Performance and Body Transformation
This is where recovery becomes essential. Training stimulates muscle growth, but the actual improvement happens during recovery. Without proper rest and lymphatic drainage, inflammation lingers, and you may feel sore, bloated, or fatigued.
Ignoring recovery not only slows down your results—it increases the risk of injury and burnout.
How Flowell Supports Smart Recovery and Reduces Swelling
Flowell’s app-controlled (Flowell Connect, available in App- and Google Play Store) compression therapy products are designed to help your body recover more efficiently. Using gentle, rhythmic pressure, Flowell boots and pants stimulate your lymphatic system, support fluid reduction, and promote circulation—so you bounce back faster and feel lighter after every session.
Benefits of Flowell for strength training recovery include:
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Reduced muscle soreness and stiffness
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Enhanced lymphatic drainage to flush out metabolic waste
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Relief from post-workout swelling or “puffiness”
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Support for muscle repair and performance consistency
Flowell gives you passive recovery—perfect for anyone balancing training with daily life.
Feel Stronger, Recover Smarter
So yes—if the number on the scale has gone up, it could be a sign that your training is working. With smart, science-backed tools like Flowell, you can manage the side effects of progress, support your wellness goals, and feel confident in your fitness journey.
Flowell combines German engineering with app-guided compression therapy to deliver recovery that fits your life—whether you're training hard, just starting out, or navigating the body changes that come with strength training.
