Working out seems like a waste of time

Francl27

Ok I'm not new to this... I started in January. Now, everyone's telling me that clearly it works, because I've lost 67 lbs in 10 months now... and yes I've lost weight and a whole lot of inches... but I'm still so fat!

When I started this I had 40% body fat or more, I calculated on fat2fit that without losing muscle, I'd have 20% body fat at 156 lbs. And here I am, 10 lbs lighter than that, with probably still 28% body fat or something. I've lost 10 lbs since September (I'm due to lose more, any day now??) and I'm still as wobbly as I was.

I've done some kind of strength training the whole time and that's why it's so frustrating... I started with slim in 6, then I did bodypump 2-3 times a week for 6 months (I know, people argue it's more cardio, but I was pushing myself and it still worked my muscles and I was sore from it). 5 weeks ago I started ChaLean Extreme, and I'm lifting pretty heavy (70 lbs for squats, for example, with 8 reps). I'm sore every day, when I feel finally better it's time for another workout, and I can't seem to lose any body fat (granted, I haven't got a period in 6 weeks either and I haven't lost any weight since the last one).

I'm just so bummed... Does anyone else feel the same way? I'm eating at a 20% TDEE deficit (I weigh everything), I have my goal set to lose 15 lbs but at this point I could probably still lose 20. Heck sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't get more results if I ate at maintenance or something, but I just have too much fat to lose still...

cpsqueen87

Wow. I haven't lost that much weight but i'd be pissed if i had lost that mcuh weight and was still as jiggly as I am now. Don't give up hun! Maybe try something different?

SkateMob

I recommend adding a lot of walking and running to your exercise routine, everyday for 45 minutes to an hour if you can (rest 1-2 days a week). And, try eating the following ratio of macronutrients: 25% carbs, 50% protein, and 25% fat and a little less than maintenance. You must also recalculate your maintenance periodically about every 4 weeks. What you eat is very important too. Eat good whole foods; stay away from fried food as much as possible. Keep it up!

Francl27

I walk 45 minutes a day in average too... I don't eat fried foods, but I don't really believe in 'clean' eating either (well, I eat pretty well overall I guess, but I need my treats or I would have given up months ago...). I think 50% protein would be excessive though... I eat 120g in average (I'm 146 lbs).

jacksonpt

Sounds like your expectations might be off.

Its impossible to lose any significant weight and NOT lose some muscle too. So your expextation of being 20% @ 155 was flawed from the start.

Also, you say you've done some sort of strength training from the start... what type if strength training? What's your routine like?

AlongCame_Molly

Sometimes it takes a while. Ever heard of the "woosh" effect? No progress, no progress, no progress, then WHOOSH!

Be patient. Don't you dare give up. Keep at it. Think of it this way: even if you never lost another pound (completely impossible, by the way, if you are eating and working out like you say you are) you would

1. get stronger
2. maintain crucial lean body mass
3. strengthen your bones
4. have more energy
5. get clearer skin
6. have a healthier heart
7. and overall feel better

All those reasons are anything BUT a waste of time. And you WILL lose the weight, maybe just not on your schedule.

Francl27

Sounds like your expectations might be off.

Its impossible to lose any significant weight and NOT lose some muscle too. So your expextation of being 20% @ 155 was flawed from the start.

Also, you say you've done some sort of strength training from the start... what type if strength training? What's your routine like?

Well, as I said, first it was slim in 6 (it's mostly body weight strength training with some band exercises), then bodypump, now chalean extreme, which is heavy weights 3x 35-40 minutes a week.

karlospiklington

I know it might not be much help when you still feel flabby and not as toned as you want, but every weight-bearing workout you do helps to increase your bone density. This is especially important as women are more prone to osteoporosis in later life. Even if you can't see the difference you want externally yet, good things are happening internally!

That's what I try to remind myself of when I see that I'm still a bit more wobbly than I would like to be. Makes working out seem worth it. That and the Rocky themetune, obviously.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

Sounds like your expectations might be off.

Its impossible to lose any significant weight and NOT lose some muscle too. So your expextation of being 20% @ 155 was flawed from the start.

Also, you say you've done some sort of strength training from the start... what type if strength training? What's your routine like?

Well, as I said, first it was slim in 6 (it's mostly body weight strength training with some band exercises), then bodypump, now chalean extreme, which is heavy weights 3x 35-40 minutes a week.

Seems to me you've done some resistance training from the beginning, but only started doing strength training more recently. If you ask me, at your weight 28% bf is pretty normal.

jacksonpt

Sounds like your expectations might be off.

Its impossible to lose any significant weight and NOT lose some muscle too. So your expextation of being 20% @ 155 was flawed from the start.

Also, you say you've done some sort of strength training from the start... what type if strength training? What's your routine like?

Well, as I said, first it was slim in 6 (it's mostly body weight strength training with some band exercises), then bodypump, now chalean extreme, which is heavy weights 3x 35-40 minutes a week.

I'm not familiar with the specifics of chalean extreme... How many sets and reps of each exercise did out have you doing? And what were the lifts?

ShibaEars

Sometimes it takes a while. Ever heard of the "woosh" effect? No progress, no progress, no progress, then WHOOSH!

Be patient. Don't you dare give up. Keep at it. Think of it this way: even if you never lost another pound (completely impossible, by the way, if you are eating and working out like you say you are) you would

1. get stronger
2. maintain crucial lean body mass
3. strengthen your bones
4. have more energy
5. get clearer skin
6. have a healthier heart
7. and overall feel better

All those reasons are anything BUT a waste of time. And you WILL lose the weight, maybe just not on your schedule.

I love this! Sometimes it is frustrating when you can't see the results, but it's nice to know you are still helping your body!

SkateMob

A couple more tips. Don't eat carbs at night and don't do fast food. Eat whole foods and vegetables. If you have ChaLEAN, then follow their diet plan exactly. The BeachBody diets work!

BrandNewMeBy30

I have no advice or help to offer you.

I wanted to say that i admire the fact you lost so much weight.

I admire that you can stick with an exercise program, I give up always after the first few weeks.

I hope that you will be able to find a resolution to your issue.

NO matter what, I'm still in awe of you.

randomtai

Lift heavier.

CM9178

more cardio!

I_Will_End_You

Online body fat calculators are notoriously inaccurate. Sounds to me like you're doing really well. Just keep at it!

Mr_Excitement

First of all, congratulations on the 67 lb. loss-- that's fantastic.

Have you recalculated your maintenance calories since you lost this weight? If you're not losing weight, you're eating at maintenance.

--On edit, I see it's a 71 lb. loss now, and this thread is old. So apparently you already tackled the problem.