Increasing Work Out Routine = Stretch Marks?

I've always been confused about stretch marks. Do they appear more visible after losing weight or gaining weight?

I've recently started running a lot and doing lunges/butt exercises and I've noticed some (small, white-ish) stretch marks on my outer thighs. So I'm guessing its either from building more muscle in my legs pretty quickly (and maybe gaining weight as a result) or losing weight because of my increased exercise routine. I don't own a scale but I've never really used that as a reliable measure of weight loss anyway.

I'd appreciate any thoughts!

In my experience, fairly drastic changes to your weight and shape are required for stretch marks to appear.  (I would suggest weighing yourself in order to have a baseline for your size.)

Since you are becoming much more active and doing cardio, it is unlikely that you have gained either weight or significant muscle. Marks like this can appear from weight loss, but I find that they fade with time.  Make sure to keep your skin moisturized.

Original Post by onefitmonkey:...I've noticed some (small, white-ish) stretch marks on my outer thighs.

Well if they are whitish already, its not likely they are recent. Stretchmarks appear red first, then fade to white. So maybe you're noticing them now only because you are feeling more conscious about how your body looks and feels as you lose weight. Maybe.

Anyway, like cat-girl said - they fade and become barely noticeable. I have lots but *shrug* I don't pay much attention to them.

thanks for your response! i've actually noticed my jeans are tighter around my thighs, so maybe i really did gain weight. even though i am increasing my cardio, i'm probably eating more and just haven't realized it :/. i can't imagine gaining that much muscle from a week and a half of running...

interesting point, pinzywinzy. i never knew they were red first, so maybe these have been there a while and im only noticing them since im really paying attention to my body image.

I think im driving myself crazy! I need to stop worrying about it and maybe they will disappear ;)

:)

My sis-in-law told me similar once: the best way to make zits disappear? Stop looking in the mirror!