What am I doing wrong?

farmgirlh
farmgirlh Posts: 240
edited September 19 in Motivation and Support
I am working out 5 days a week on elliptical and 2 to 3 of those days I add weights. Last week I was losing and now it almost seems like I am gaining. HELP??? I eat about 1200 cal a day plus half of my excerise cal since I don't know how correct the machines are. I know I am gaining muscle but shouldn't I be losing the weight too? THANKS!

Replies

  • farmgirlh
    farmgirlh Posts: 240
    I am working out 5 days a week on elliptical and 2 to 3 of those days I add weights. Last week I was losing and now it almost seems like I am gaining. HELP??? I eat about 1200 cal a day plus half of my excerise cal since I don't know how correct the machines are. I know I am gaining muscle but shouldn't I be losing the weight too? THANKS!
  • 9726172000
    9726172000 Posts: 428
    it sounds like you are gaining some muscle and if that is the case then sometimes you will actually gain weight. If you are doing weights with alot of reps. with a higher weight then you will build muscle. but if you do low weights with the same number of reps. you will tone. hope this helps
  • kerrilucko
    kerrilucko Posts: 3,852 Member
    use a measuring tape to track your progress. Also for your size and energy levels, I don't think 1200 calories is enough.
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    First of all, a week is too short of a time period for anything to really be "wrong".

    I know that patience is the most important ingredient in weight loss.

    Know that your weight will naturally fluctuate due to lots of factors. Here's an article that discusses those factors:

    http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/scale.htm

    and, think in terms of monthly, or even longer blocks of progress. It will take time (especially if you don't have that much to lose) but it will be something you can maintain.:flowerforyou:
  • farmgirlh
    farmgirlh Posts: 240
    Thank you for all the advice.

    As for the weights I use a bow flex so it is more like resistance training, and I use lower weights with more reps.

    As for the calories I talked with my doctor and that is what she recommended. I do eat half of my workout calories on those days so it is closer to 1400.
  • kitt8980
    kitt8980 Posts: 29 Member
    One other thing you can think about is that mussle weighs more then fat does and it forms under the fatty tissue. So that could be what you are noticing.
  • hmo4
    hmo4 Posts: 1,673 Member
    The scale doesn't budge for me either. After all this time. I watch how others eat and it blows my mind. BUT, my husband says I'm alot smaller in hips and butt-yay:bigsmile: ! My body fat on the scale isn't moving either:cry: . So, I think I'll ditch the dang scale all together, and just keep pushing play.:drinker: Cheers gang, keep on goin!
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    The scale doesn't budge for me either. After all this time. I watch how others eat and it blows my mind. BUT, my husband says I'm alot smaller in hips and butt-yay:bigsmile: ! My body fat on the scale isn't moving either:cry: . So, I think I'll ditch the dang scale all together, and just keep pushing play.:drinker: Cheers gang, keep on goin!

    Yes, that's the idea. My scale hasn't budged in a year, but I'm undeniably firmer.:flowerforyou:
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