Will I gain weight if I quit the gym? (Query)

If you are looking for tips to maintain weight after quitting the gym, read this.

By: Tania Tarafdar | | Updated: March 16, 2016 9:23 am

Weight gain: Studies have found that while antidepressants can cause weight loss in patients initially, long-term use of antidepressants can actually cause weight gain [1]. Patients have observed that they regain the weight they initially lost 6 months after they started taking antidepressants. That's actually followed by additional weight gain with long-term use.

I am a 32-year-old woman. I was regular at the gym for three months and lost 3 kg doing aerobics and spinning. Due to time constraints, I could no longer continue with my evening workout at the gym. Will I gain weight because I stopped working out at the gym? Also Read - Not able to lose weight? Biggest workout mistakes that are killing your results

Also Read - Is your workout killing you? What really happens to your body when you exercise too much

You are not wrong if you think you will put on weight if you stop going to the gym. Although you will not get a pot belly overnight, weight gain is a potential side effect of quitting the gym. Your gym workouts burn calories and boost your metabolism, which over time helps you lose and even maintain weight. According to fitness expert Roshni Shah your metabolism will automatically slow down once you give up exercising, making it difficult for you to maintain weight. Also Read - Tips and tricks to help you make your strength training more effective

Other side effects

When you quit gym, you may experience a decline in your fitness level. For instance, when you stop your aerobics class, you may experience a rapid decline in your cardiovascular fitness for the first three weeks. Your muscular strength may also decline when you give up your strength training routine. Perform these yoga asanas for upper body strength.

Tips to maintain weight by celebrity fitness expert Marika Johannson:

The trick is to keep moving even if you stop going to the gym. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio, at least, three times a week. You can always involve in non-gym aerobic activities like jogging, running, and cycling to continue blasting calories.
You can also perform strength training at home with dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands to rev up your metabolism. Try these 5 best strength training exercises at home for weight loss.
Walking at least 5000 steps every day can help you maintain your weight. So take the stairs in your office and park your car away to walk a few extra steps every day. Walking will not only help burn your calories but also boost your metabolism.
Along with the physical activities, it is also important to mind what you eat. Avoid refined foods and focus on eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Always consume foods that are low in trans fats, saturated fats, salt, cholesterol and added sugars. Stay within your daily calorie needs a woman needs 2000 kcal, and a man requires an average 2500 kcal per day. Follow this expert-recommended Indian diet plan for weight loss.

Image source: Getty Images

Published : March 15, 2016 7:01 pm | Updated:March 16, 2016 9:23 am

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