I've been on a weight loss kick for the last 3 weeks. I've been cutting back calories, though not starving myself, drinking more water and no soda(though I've had one twice when I went out to dinner). I've been biking between 6.5 to 7.25 miles on the stationary bike with resistance in 33 min, four times a week. Followed by weight training a different muscle group every day (though I do abs/obliques and inner/outer thighs every time). Instead of losing weight, I've gained between 4 and 5 pounds in the 3 week period. I know I've gained muscle, but is it possible to put on that much muscle mass in 3 weeks? It seems ridiculous and absolutely frustrating. Is it possible I have some health problem preventing me from losing the weight? Could it be the birth control pill I'm on? I want to keep working out to get back in the shape I used to be in, but it's hard to keep motivated with a scale that's moving in the wrong direction. Any ideas on what could be the culprit?
2007-04-06 08:43:32 · 11 answers · asked by justpeachee22 5 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
"That time of month" was muddled up in the middle of the three weeks, didn't think of that. Same scale, roughly the same time of day(give or take an hour), same spot in the locker room after I work out...
2007-04-06 08:59:22 · update #1
Weigh yourself in the morning, first thing, that's your best measure. Because after a workout, if you work out in the afternoon, you've got food processing and water that you drank for working out.
Chances are that that's your issue now that I think of it, did you weigh yourself before you worked out when you were first getting started? Several lbs can be water and such.
Also it is possible to gain a fair bit of muscle in little time, especially if you've been out of shape, so don't fret. Your birth control pill should only have an effect if you're not doing something to negate it, such as exercising.
You might not be eating enough as well. If you're not taking in enough calories your body will be less likely to burn them. Try adding in snacks if you're only having breakfast lunch and dinner now. Maybe a salad with tuna, or some fruit. You need to keep that metabolism burning.
Also, soup before dinner is a great weightloss tip I heard about. Fills you up, slows you down, low cal, helps you get liquids, it's all around great!
2007-04-06 09:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by Luis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the reason you are putting on weight is that muscle weighs twice what fat weighs. Have you noticed that your clothes fit looser? (Eventhough you gained pounds?) That is why. And that is good because fat is burned in the muscle. Keep doing what you are doing and you will succeed. Remember what you do today will show up next month. Losing weight is not an easy process.Also, you need to know that you will gain 5-7 pounds about 10 days before you start your period. It is just your body retaining water. It is not a true weight gain and it will be gone when your period is done for the month. Good luck, Sweetie.
2007-04-06 08:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're gaining muscle mass from the exercise and losing inches instead of pounds.
Take measurements of your neck, chest, biceps, chest, waist, hips thighs and calves. Keep a journal and measure once a week.
Gaining muscle mass is good. Muscle burns off calories faster. Stay hydrated and eat a well balanced diet that has a healthy lean protein source.
The pounds will come off, the slower the better by the way.
Keep up the good work you're doing great!
2007-04-06 08:55:17 · answer #3 · answered by Firespider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Muscle weighs more than fat so if you are working out then you are turning that "fat" into muscle which would explain the weight gain. continuing with the workout should start to show some physical changes after a period of time. Don't be so hard on yourself there are many factors to be accounted for here. Age is one, our bodies change with age so it isn't going to be as easy to make the changes the older we get. It will take some time. Stay away from the soda, if you have to drink diet. (I know I hate the taste of diet too but if you like gingerale the diet isn't bad of that) also diet cherry vanilla dr. pepper isn't too shabby either. Talk to a nutritionist, they will be better able to guide you then me but.. I hope I've helped a bit. Hang in there!!!
2007-04-07 03:44:00 · answer #4 · answered by dribble 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Trust me, you're not the only that's beaten yourself up over this subject. It wasn't until I realized that it was muscle I was gaining, and not fat--then i calmed down.
Muscle is more dense and weighs more than fat. Just keep doing what your doing and don't give up. It takes a while to see results. There have been periods when I've exercised for months and then have stopped. It always takes 2 or 3 months for me to see results. Losing weight quickly is not healthy and it's not realistic. I know the scheister ads you see on late night television would have you believe otherwise, but those ads are only thinking of one thing ---CASH, not your well being.
Also, I would like to add that diet is an integral part of your exercise plan. Think of food as natural medicine, cause that's what it is. Please do not eat junk food. I know the drug addiction factor of junk food is strong, but we must overcome.
2007-04-06 12:00:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, I wish I could say that it works different for everyone, I am trying to put on weight and can't!
Sounds like you may need more aerobic (different than the bike)and less weight training, the ocassional sodas won't do anything to you don't worry about that, I think you need to rev up your metabolism (they tell me this is the reason I can;t gain weigh caus e mine is too fast).
You have to review your diet thougth, are you getting fats you are unaware of ?(don;t cut carbs that is BS) butter, oily dressings? too much sodium? sodium causes retention to and that causes more weigh.
Maybe you need to do less weigh resistance training on your problem aereas to, why don't you counsult at your gym with a nutrisionist or a personal trainier? a couple of sessions may give you lots of answers, you going the right direction don;t give up.
All the best
2007-04-06 08:53:36 · answer #6 · answered by nauj002 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
are you using the same scales each time. are you putting them in the same place before you stand on them. (i know that sounds stupid but i lose 2 pounds simply by moving from my bedroom to the bathroom.) is anyone adjusting them as a practical joke. are you over weighing yourself. i only weigh myself once a week.
you should measure as well as weigh yourself then you will see where you are losing/gaining and be able to work the right areas.
but keep up with the exercise and healthy eating. you will soon start to see results
2007-04-06 08:52:11 · answer #7 · answered by missyb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sometimes the process of building muscle makes you temporarily retain fluid....if you're sore a lot, that could be it......it could also be your hormones.....although the pill is not supposed to make you gain weight....you could be pre-menstrual.....or have you eaten a lot of simple carbs or sodium lately?
I took a strength training class, and they told us an average woman starting a strength training program for the first time would build 3-5 pounds of muscle the first 8 weeks.....
2007-04-06 08:50:09 · answer #8 · answered by renee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Muscle weighs more than fat so even if you are losing fat you willl still gain weight at first.
A good way to find real progress is to asses you Body Fat Index its a measure of how much fat your body has instead of weight alone.
You should be able to find a free online calculator online if you search for it.
2007-04-06 08:51:54 · answer #9 · answered by soldiermedic23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You gain muscle before you lose weight. So thats the weight gain.
2007-04-06 08:47:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋