Gained weight but lost muscle mass??

L0VE3UG

Hey all,

So I went to my trainer yesterday and we hopped on the scale to see where my BF and muscle compositions were at. I gained 2 lbs (down 2lbs from when I weighed myself at the dr. about a month ago) but LOST muscle mass. My trainer said she's going to tweak the training but I'm confused as to how I can be consistently working out and lose muscle mass.

I imagine it has more to do with nutrition...don't you think? I do my best to hit my macros, and have undoubtedly had a few days where I didn't. I also admit I like to drink, and while I don't drink heavy everyday, most days will include one or two with a weekend night of a little more. Could this be the culprit?

Any input appreciated. It's frustrating to feel like I'm working really hard only to move further away from my goal...

Mycophilia

Scales that measure body fat % are notoriously inaccurate. I wouldn't put any stock in them.

ndj1979

how is your trainer measuring your mass?

Did you take starting tape measurements?

what is your training regimen like?

L0VE3UG

Mycophilia wrote: »

Scales that measure body fat % are notoriously inaccurate. I wouldn't put any stock in them.

What's the best way to go about this then?

NDJ - I didn't take starting measurements in the beginning. This is something I will be doing going forward, just figured I wait until I was re-evaluated by the trainer so I knew where I was "starting" this time. She is simply measuring progress using the scale that determines body composition.

Training looks like this:
Sun: Back/Biceps
Mon: Lower Body
Tues: Off
Wed: Chest/Triceps
Thurs: Lower Body
Fri: Shoulders/Abs
Sat: Off

ndj1979

L0VE3UG wrote: »

Mycophilia wrote: »

Scales that measure body fat % are notoriously inaccurate. I wouldn't put any stock in them.

What's the best way to go about this then?

NDJ - I didn't take starting measurements in the beginning. This is something I will be doing going forward, just figured I wait until I was re-evaluated by the trainer so I knew where I was "starting" this time. She is simply measuring progress using the scale that determines body composition.

Training looks like this:
Sun: Back/Biceps
Mon: Lower Body
Tues: Off
Wed: Chest/Triceps
Thurs: Lower Body
Fri: Shoulders/Abs
Sat: Off

how many sets/reps of each?

Is it just a scale that measures your weight and body fat? Those are notoriously inaccurate.

You could have a DEXA scan done, but that is something you should of done before staring your bulk.

I seriously doubt you have lost mass..

are you doing any cardio? How many calories a day are you eating?

L0VE3UG

I typically do 10-12 reps 3 sets each. When I'm able to do all 3 sets/reps I increase weight. Last week I completed 3 sets of 10 with my dumbbell chest press (exciting for me) and was able to increase there. My squat has increased in weight as well, as have my rows so I know there are strength gains happening.

I pretty much cut cardio but will occasionally walk uphill on the treadmill for 30 min for personal need. I used to be a runner so not doing cardio has been tough. I'm on my feet all day at work though (waitress). I've typically been eating around 2200cals.

So far these last few weeks I've dropped almost 3lbs. Stress and working a lot is likely the contributor and I noticed in this time frame there were a couple days I ate less than 1200 cals. I took measurements today since I feel like I'm practically starting over. Pretty frustrated at this point. Appreciate the replies though, thank you.

ndj1979

L0VE3UG wrote: »

I typically do 10-12 reps 3 sets each. When I'm able to do all 3 sets/reps I increase weight. Last week I completed 3 sets of 10 with my dumbbell chest press (exciting for me) and was able to increase there. My squat has increased in weight as well, as have my rows so I know there are strength gains happening.

I pretty much cut cardio but will occasionally walk uphill on the treadmill for 30 min for personal need. I used to be a runner so not doing cardio has been tough. I'm on my feet all day at work though (waitress). I've typically been eating around 2200cals.

So far these last few weeks I've dropped almost 3lbs. Stress and working a lot is likely the contributor and I noticed in this time frame there were a couple days I ate less than 1200 cals. I took measurements today since I feel like I'm practically starting over. Pretty frustrated at this point. Appreciate the replies though, thank you.

Is this program that you are running one that your trainer put you on?

Do you use a food scale to weigh all solid foods?

You definitely need to make sure that you are eating 2200 calories (assuming that is your gain number) every day, no exceptions..if you do not gain, then add in another 100 per day, and if no gain then add in another 100 per day until you start gaining at your desired rate...

psuLemon

Wanting to clarify with the OP, are you trying to lose or gain weight?

L0VE3UG

psulemon wrote: »

Wanting to clarify with the OP, are you trying to lose or gain weight?

Trying to gain!

ndj1979 wrote: »

Is this program that you are running one that your trainer put you on?

Do you use a food scale to weigh all solid foods?

You definitely need to make sure that you are eating 2200 calories (assuming that is your gain number) every day, no exceptions..if you do not gain, then add in another 100 per day, and if no gain then add in another 100 per day until you start gaining at your desired rate...

Yes, the trainer put me on this program. However, I stopped working with her a few weeks ago (cost reasons) but I noticed that I can lift more than what she was having me do for certain exercises. I'm not sure if she was really pushing me as hard as I can be, but certainly helped with form. We'll see what happens not having her for awhile.

I'm going to up my calories after today. I've been doing pretty good at hitting the 2200 these last few weeks, have been measuring everything I eat and I wake up hungry some nights. I've been on 2200 cals for a few months now other than the week of mishap. Hopefully I'll see some improvement with more food in me....

LolBroScience

was it one of these devices?



They aren't very accurate and the results can vary pretty substantially based on hydration levels.

pbryd

If your strength continues to improve you aren't losing muscle.

You program looks like a lot. Perhaps you can consider moving shoulders to the chest/tri workout and having an extra day off.

GluteralGoddess

pbryd wrote: »

If your strength continues to improve you aren't losing muscle.

You program looks like a lot. Perhaps you can consider moving shoulders to the chest/tri workout and having an extra day off.

She's already got two days off and a day between the upper body lifts. I think that looks fine.

lithezebra

The amount of water in your body at any given time will affect your BF reading on a scale. I wouldn't worry.