How much weight gain through exercise?

[Banderchang]

I know there's some seasoned exercisers out there who can answer this for me. I've been doing 5:2 since May and have always lost or maintained each week. I've always been a normal BMI, but lost a stone and was 9 stone 4 before Christmas (I'm 5'7).

However, since Christmas I've really upped my exercise: lots of walking, started a dance class, and have started 30 day Shred which so far I have done every day. Continued to fast twice a week as usual. This morning I am 9 stone 9!

I did my 2 weekly fasts over the Xmas period as well, since I largely do 5:2 to improve my IBS, so I can't understand how I've gained 5 pounds.

I'm tracking calories on MFP and not over eating on NFDs. I've never gained before, so I'm assuming this must be down to exercise. My question (finally) is whether I will now continue to gain weight weekly and how do I counteract that? 4:3? Dropping calories on NFDs? Help please!

[MelanieCheeks]

I'd give any new routine at least a month before changing anything. Your body often takes some time to react to a new regime being thrown at it.

How are your measurments? Has your waist size changed?

[Banderchang]

I haven't taken measurements before, Melanie, so have done that today and will monitor these alongside weight. Thanks for the advice.

[MelanieCheeks]

You're at a healthy bmi I'm guessing, so any changes will be slow. Patience!

[AmericasTorturedBrow]

I lost about 12lbs initially on 5:2 then upped exercise and loss was much slower but I was atBMI20 by then

I did a mammouth week long bike ride last summer and the month before continued 5:2, cut all alcohol and trained fairly hard - put on 2lb but went down a dress size. The week of the ride I put on 4lbs probably because I ate practically every hour

I second going by measurements rather than weight once you get to a healthy BMI