*TRAINERS* Need advice and opinions on steady weight gain

KellyEdwards85

Ok, I know that the scale "lies" to some extent., but I am wanting an expert or trainers opinion on this.
When I started my weight loss journey, I decided to take up jogging. It became something I loved to do, but that is all I did at the time, no strength training or weight lifting. . I lost around 20 lbs doing so. I reached my "goal weight" of 128lbs (i'm 5'6''). Back in November of 2012, I joined a gym. Started becoming interested in lifting weights. I ended up instructing a group strength training class at my gym and still do to this day . Its an hour long, total body workout. (some gyms call it Power Pump) Not only do I instruct this class 2x a week. One day a week i try to get in some additional weight lifting on my own. I lift heavy on that day. (i can squat 210 + lbs) I also do one 20 minute cross fit class a week. Then i still work in my running when i can,becuase i enjoy it.. Since november i've managed to increase my weight on the scale from 128 lbs to 135 lbs. It has been a gradual increase. My clothes do not fit any different. Of course i see some muscle definition, but everything seems to be the same. . Is that a "normal" increase of muscle gain or could it be something else? I'm just having a hard time understanding why so much of an increase when everything looks the same. I think thats alot of an increase for a woman. My diet is probably averages 1600 + calories a day, I eat when i'm hungry. i dont eat much junk (but have a sweet tooth from time to time) My choices in food is most always the healthiest option i have. Just curious what everyone thinks. Thanks!

micheleb15

I'm not a trainer and this is going to come out wrong, but don't you need to have some kind of certification (group or personal) to teach at a gym? I feel like this should be something that someone that teaches others at a gym should know.

Again, I don't mean this to be rude, just a question I had.

Great work on squatting 210; that's awesome.

KellyEdwards85

Thanks!
I knew that would be asked. It is a dvd followed class. I learn the dvd. The correct ways to do each exercise correctly and safely, and present it to the class as a group. The certification isnt a "must" but i now have the background knowlege for when the gym sends me for the certification. The certification is only held 2 x a year in my area and it only lasts 2 days, so its not rocket science. Even when i go for the certificaion, this extent of knowlege is something they will not teach you about , That why i asked for trainers advice

scotthobbs1990

Not quite sure what your question is?
Are you trying to gain muscle?
It sounds fairly normal to me, you're not really eating enough to gain much more, seems like a pretty linear increase just due to the amount of lifting you're doing.

JenMc14

1600+ calories a day is a bit general. I mean, is it 2000? 2500 some days? What is your maintenance? If you're not steadily in a surplus, you're not likely gaining muscle. I'm also not sure a Body Pump type class 2 times a week and one day of heavy lifting will lead to much muscle gain, but I'm not an expert. Chances are it's a combo of muscle and fat (which is normal on a bulk). Not sure why your clothes wouldn't feel tighter, but some of it could be water retention as well.