Is variety the key?

Atthea
Atthea Posts: 53
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi I'm kind of new here: on and off online but On all the time with my diet and workouts since february.

I have this ongoing question and I keep searching on the web...

So I am working out 3-4 times a week: Turbo Jam, power yoga, Lotte Berk method and ballet.
I eat well, cut on portions, carbs, sugar and salt. I eat smaller more often meals; BUT keep on gaining weight.

My body is getting very firm and muscular I see definition, my belly is quite flat : lost a couple of inches on waist but gained on hips and chest...
This is driving me nuts!!!!! LOL !

I just keep going and I love to be fit but I wish I would get leaner....
Anyone knows something I dont ???

Thanks !!

Replies

  • bbbbb33333
    bbbbb33333 Posts: 1,107 Member
    You say you cut portions, but are you logging food and staying at or under the recommended calorie limit? Open your food diary to the public and maybe someone will comment.
  • DianaPowerUp
    DianaPowerUp Posts: 518 Member
    Without seeing your diary, it's really hard to guess at what any issues are. One thing that you did mention, is that you are getting more definition, and have lost belly fat, which is fabulous! You may just be gaining muscle in the other areas (since it's unlikely that you would lose fat in the belly, but then put it on in the chest, for ex.).

    If you want to get leaner, I would recommend increasing your weight training. It sounds like you're not doing any of that, and that is really a key component in muscle gain/weight loss. I do strength training (for ex.) 3x/wk. I'm by no means muscle bound or bulky, but I've really leaned out, and gotten a lot of definition. The other things that I do that help is keep my carbs low, and eat a clean diet. Hope that helps!
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    As far as exercise, variety really is important. When something gets into muscle memory, we don't have to think about it as much, and it doesn't boost our calorie burn quite as much.
    You can pick up the intensity (turn up the speed on the treadmill a bit, or add 2 lbs to weights) or change your routine. That's one thing I like about classes at the gym - they are regularly changing so I have to really focus (and burn more!) It feels more awkward, but that's a good thing!

    Also make sure you have a good balance of cardio and resistance. Both are important to a good looking, healthy, fit body.
  • Atthea
    Atthea Posts: 53
    Cool! Thanks everyone!
    So I'm going for another great Turbo Jam workout now!
    I'll add weights today !
    My muscles get so big so fast !! You should see my thighs!! HUGE quadriceps !!
    I know women aren't suppose to gain muscle weight that much am I proving them wrong !!!
  • DianaPowerUp
    DianaPowerUp Posts: 518 Member
    Just saw your diary, thanks! That said - there's not much to look at, lol! But the day that you did note what you ate (yesterday, I think?) looks really good. You probably just need to add some heavy weights to your routine. Not only will that build muscle and help you look tone, but muscle burns more cal. than fat, so as you build muscle, you'll be burning more cal. all day long. Win-win!
  • Atthea
    Atthea Posts: 53
    Lol! True! My diary is fuller in february and march if ever you want to have a peak :laugh:
    Great love anything win-win !!!
    Thanks this is all very supportive and uplifting !

    :happy:
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