Working out a ton and getting bigger .... all over?

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'7 and about a size 8-10, so not tiny, but not huge. I've been working out intensely for about 2 years (youngest kid is 3) - HIIT, running, Insanity, Solidcore, etc. I'm absolutely getting more muscular - my strength and balance are better than they've ever been, I can see abs in my upper stomach, etc. But the more I do, especially strength-wise, the bigger I feel - almost like my muscle gain is under a layer of fat that's becoming more pronounced the more working out I do. I don't weigh myself but most of my clothes fit basically the same, except for slight tightness in some in the butt / things (my butt is 100% changed - sticks out much more now).

I'm a believer that diet is made in the kitchen and my diet is pretty decent ... but it's like I'm looking bigger. Has anyone else had this happen?

[Anonymous]

Are you eating more?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you eating more?

Pretty sure not, at least not significantly. I definitely feel compelled to eat healthy on the days I work out which is most days.

[Anonymous]

my trainer said this was normal,
http://www.livestrong.com/article/418620-do-muscles-hold-water-after-a-hard-workout/

I don't care anymore, I've gone up some sizes but look exactly the same. My butt is bigger, my back is bigger, it's all muscles and water. Have you checked your fat percentage?

[Anonymous]

Your muscles grew, because you're working out. Congratulations, that's a good thing.

If you want to be leaner, you have to focus on cutting, either by cutting calories, doing more cardio, or a combination of both.