Fat Loss and weight training?

lbatkins

Let me just explain, I am a girl who has only recently realized the benefits of weight training. I used to do nothing but cardio, and saw absolutely no results (in fact, I gained weight anyway). So for the past three months, I've been doing pilates and weight training, and feel awesome! I lost almost 3 inches on my waist so far, and 1.5 inches on my hips. According to most body fat calculators... which don't seem to be particularly accurate but at least I've got some idea?... I'm somewhere around 28% when I was at around 30%. I'm really motivated by my results, but I can't help but question this: I've only lost like 5 lbs. And that was only at first - the scale hasn't budged in almost two months. I'm drinking plenty of water, eating healthier than I've ever managed in my life (eating clean, making it all myself, etc), and finally have some muscle definition, but you can't really see it. I can *almost* see some abs peaking through. So I guess my question is, how long does it take before you can actually see what you've accomplished? Does it matter that I'm not really losing weight? I really want to be successful with this and lose the extra fat. I really wish I would've done this sooner instead of wasting all that time on the hamster wheel. Why aren't women encouraged to weight train????!!!

lynndunlop

It sounds like you're really happy with the results, congratulations! I can't answer your question about how long it will take for you see results (it sounds to me like you're seeing plenty already). As I understand it, it's perfectly normal to find a change to your vital statistics without a weight loss - it's something to do with the muscle you're gaining. I guess I'd ask myself what my ultimate fitness goal is: if you want to feel good about the way you look, then I wouldn't worry in the slightest about how much you weigh. If you're exercising well (a sensible mix of cardio and strength training), eating healthily and are happy with your shape, I think you've hit the jackpot!