Is it easier to build/gain muscle or lose fat? Is it normal to swell after a workout?

I have been changing my health and fitness lifestyle over the past year. Including workout and eating habits. I decided to focus more on muscle strengthening (and building muscle). I notice I initially gain weight after not working out faithfully and getting back into a routine again. So I assume and hope this is my muscle gain. I am looking for some reassurance here, but be truthful please.Also, after I do strength training I notice some swelling, however it is not the defined look, more like a bubble/fat look yet it is hard. Almost like water retention looking, but harder. Is this normal? I have heard of guys looking more buff from swelling after a workout, but didn't think it would be that noticeable on me since I am a girl and not a bodybuilder. As I continue will this eventually not be so dramatic and at least have better definition if swell?I am pretty new to the (genuine and sincere) heath and fitness life and have a long way to go so all info and tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks.Wow, great answers so far guys! Thank you so much. This will be a tough vote!About my body fat percentage, I am still too afraid to know but it is less than it was 4 months ago. I am 20 lbs. less now, but had a 2 month break due to a life occurrence so I am back at it now and see a little rise again (less than 5 lbs. but still not easy for a girl to see) After I notice some more toning I will take that scary step of measuring my body fat percentage.

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Recommended Answer:

You'll have little to no muscle definition if your body fat percentage is too high. It's easier to build muscle but harder for them to appear. Fat loss is key. Yes, it's normal to swell. Your muscle has been worked, so make sure you get enough nutrients into your system in order for them to grow. Don't worry about the scale. Numbers don't always correlate to what the mirror tells you. The fastest way to lose fat is through HIIT (high intensity interval training). And make sure you're following a well balanced "diet." 80% of what you look like is based on what you put inside yourself. Don't worry about calorie-counting. Just make sure you get the necessary nutrients you need.

Other Answers:

• Building muscle. At least that's what my dad told me. He was a 240 pound built-like-a-tank 6'6 man by 17. He took wrestling for 6 months. before that, he was a little fatty.
• Muscle swelling is normal after a weightlifting workout. You won't be able to see much definition if you are a woman because you have a sub-skin fat layer that men don't. What you are describing sounds perfectly normal. Building muscle is a great way to lose fat. Muscle takes a lot more calories to support and maintain and if you build even a little bit you will see a difference because the muscles will burn fat even at rest. The best way to build muscle is to use short intense bursts of energy to lift as much weight as you can for 6-10 reps. Do 2-3 sets of each exercise. Don't be afraid to ask the guys you see working out for tips.Also, the muscle is more shapely than fat, so even if you aren't losing weight, you will notice an improved look. Girls and women build muscle more slowly than men, so be patient.