Weight lifting will cause an increase in intrathoracic pressure, which will increase the back pressure on the veins and can cause them to dilate. This can lead to reticular vein formation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Strenuous exercise can put a strain on the venous circulation. As blood flows up the leg veins back to the heart, it flows through the vena cava in the abdomen. Increasing the abdominal pressure by heavy lifting and straining impedes blood from traveling back to the heart. The venous blood then pools in the leg veins increasing the venous pressure and venous reflux or reversal of flow in the leg veins into varicose veins in the legs.
Weightlifting is not a great form of exercise for healthy veins for life. If you do lift weights, some standards to follow include using good lifting techniques: lower weight and high rep routines, exhale when you lift, and incorporate aerobic activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike immediately afterward in order to get the blood circulating again. Remember to wear compression socks while weightlifting and directly after to assist with moving the blood upward towards the heart.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, new veins or enlargement of existing veins often do occur with exercise, especially if you are doing regular weight lifting. These are normal veins that are play vital roles in enhancing blood flow back to the heart. They are not varicose veins, so should not be closed or stripped. It's good to hear that you do not have underlying reflux problem with your veins. I would suggest continuing with your exercise program while monitoring your veins and other signs such as swelling and cramping.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Sometimes when people lose a lot of weight or body fat, their veins show more. Sometimes with weight lifting in addition to reducing body fat increases muscle tone which also make them more prominent. Keep up your healthy lifestyle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When you develop muscle using weight the surface veins may become more prominent. Also if you do this and have less body fat there is nothing to hide.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Weight lifting or any other exercise when performed regularly over a period of time will cause the veins to hypertrophy and result in more prominent looking veins over the skin. In other words it is normal physiological response of the body to increased blood supply during exercise and its ability to dispense heat during that time. These are normal prominent veins which are not refluxing as in this case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012