Is it possible to shock your body too much?

tlynnweb

Here's the skinny on my deal: I have always been primarily a runner (not long distance) but a runner for my exercise. I have recently joined a gym and have been going religiously 4-5 days a week and burning 500-600 calories each time I go. GREAT right? Well, I have changed nothing food wise and I've gained 5 lbs. Now I know scientifically it's not possible (at least according to Jillian Michaels) to gain 5 lbs of muscle in just 3 weeks. I have literally gained 6 lbs in 3 weeks. I have been doing interval treadmill classes, turbo kick classes and a lot of spinning. Ive incorporated light hand weights as well. Is it possible that my body doesn't like this kind of exercise--shocking it to do different things as frequently as I have.????? I'm just at a loss as to why I'm gaining weight. Now, I know my diet can be improved YES but I've kind of always eaten the same way but when I was solely running, I was losing. I just get bored. Anywhooo--if any of this makes sense, please give me some insight! Thanks!

kellyscomeback

I would keep your gym routine but change you eating habits for a week or two and see if that helps any. Maybe increase your protein and watch your caloric intake.

hroush

You left out some important details.
- diary (can't see)
- weight loss setting (? lb / week)
- eat back exercise calories?
- current weight / weight left to lose
- height
- phone number (joking :laugh: )

We are just wildly guessing without these, and even with them we are still just guessing. I hope you are eating back your exercise calories as you are burning a lot everyday.

ambie35

your muscles are probably retaining water from the shock

knittnponder

Whenever I add something new my body gains a little and hangs onto it for a little while. It's usually just water weight that my body is hanging onto while it repairs the damage I do to it. Since you're now at a gym do you have access to body fat testing? A good way to gauge it would be to get your body fat tested and then have it tested again at regular intervals. You may be losing fat but it doesn't show up on the scale yet. How are you clothes fitting? If they're any looser then you are heading the right direction.

natskedat

I'm a little hesitant to use the word "shock" when it comes to the body. We're pretty resiliant creatures. I find it easier to imagine our bodies slipping in and out of equilibrium with our exercise and food programs. I wrote a piece a while ago about how our bodies stay at the same weight, or even gain, regardless of the amount of exercise we do. It might help.

Here's the link: http://fitnesswithnatalie.blogspot.com/2011/05/most-dreaded-word-in-weight-loss.html

Good luck!

Azdak

I suspect most of it has to do with adjustments to the new routine. Are you noticing a difference in how clothes fit? That would be a key indicator.

It could also be that, with all the changes, you are no longer burning as many calories with your workouts as you did when you were running. Contrary to popular opinion, changing up workout activities per se does not increase calorie expenditure--often it has the opposite effect because you are not as coordinated at the new activities and so you cannot exert yourself as hard.
The volume of activity you are doing makes that less likely, but it is something to consider.

tlynnweb

My clothes are tighter
Oh and I'm 5'6", 156 (ugh). I actually burn more calories working out at the gym than I did running. I do eat back my exercise calories when I actually track my food. I know tracking food is crazy important to lose but I tend to stick to the same types of meals most days with little variations. Do I go to restaurants and splurge--absolutely! Just wondered if there was anything people knew that I didn't. I assumed when I went the first week to the gym and was super sore that my muscles were retaining fluid. I would assume going into week 4 without anymore muscle soreness that I would get rid of this flipping fluid! Thanks everyone. I think I just have to buckle down and track again--I know, I know!!!