Why did aerobics not work out?

littletoblerone
littletoblerone Posts: 35
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello!

I'm 167cm tall and weigh 55kg. I remember times when I used to weigh 50kg and I'd like to get back to that.
I recently (a month ago) took up an aerobics class which was incredibly difficult. I was expecting weight loss, but instead I got weight gain. I understand that I gained a lot of muscle mass and that could be a contributing factor, but even by the end of the month I hadn't lost any grams at all. Perhaps I was expecting too much.
I try to stick to a diet of max 1400 and I make an active effort to log all the food I intake on MFP.
Why do you think aerobics didn't work?

Also, 2 days ago I joined a zumba class that's 5 times a week and yesterday was my first class and I absolutely adored it. I intend to also do other activities which are aside from zumba. Do you think more cardio will work?

Thank you for the input.

Replies

  • n3ver3nder
    n3ver3nder Posts: 155 Member
    You have not gained any significant muscle mass from aerobics. It's likely you're still over estimating you calories and have in fact been eating at maintenance.

    Have a look at this group,
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/10067-eat-train-progress-

    Read the stickied threads and then ask your questions in there. Sara and Sidesteel should be able to help you out.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Aerobics burns calories & helps you build (or manitain) endurance. The muscle you're working is your heart.

    Resistance training burns calories (not as many as aerobics, most likely) ....but builds muscle or at least helps you maintain muscle. This is about the "shape" of your body.

    Losing weight is about calorie deficit ...... nothing more. Your calorie deficit can come from portion control and/or exercise. The problem with calorie deficit from exercise alone .... many people grossly over estimate the calories burned from exercise and end up eating more than they did when they weren't exercising.

    Portion control (true portion control) ..... is measuring your food intake. It's easy to go over your calorie limit by "guesstimating" calorie dense foods. It's also easy to forget to log a bite here, or a taste there. Portion control is your best bet for weight loss. It will teach you what you need to know to maintain a weight loss. Exercise is the "bonus".... sure you get some extra calories..... but what's more important is how fit you will be and the "shape" of your body after weight loss.

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