Started weight lifting with no change...now what???

mmapags

My weight has increased a few pounds over the last several months since starting to do more weights and less cardio. When I measured the other day, my measurements were up from the last time I measured in October, but I FEEL smaller and my clothes fit looser than they did. I know that my body is recomposing (is that the right word?) itself. I can tell that my butt is a little tighter and perkier, but not where I measure. This allows my pants to all fit better than they did before. Yes, I still want to see the scales and the tape measure decrease in size, but as long as my clothes are fitting better, I'll keep at it knowing that eventually, they'll catch up.

This! Also, I agree with your trainer, 5 weeks is too short a window to judge strength training progress. I'd really suggest that, after dropping all the excess weight you you focus not on weight but in building muscle and losing fat (body recomp) as suggested above. If you are lean and look great, who cares what you weigh?

TrainingWithTonya

I am working with a personal trainer every M-W-F for 30-45 min each session. Been doing this for 5 weeks.

I am 52 years old, so no young chick.

We alternate days doing upper body and core one day, the lower body and core the next day.

My personal trainer started me out light with one set of each exercise at 8-10 reps to just see what I was capable of.

Now lifting 2 sets of 15 reps upping weights periodically to failure at 8-10 reps.

Progressing reasonably I think given my age and well worn joints.

Just can't believe that with this much effort I am not seeing some kind of results on scale or tape measure.

Everything i have read made me think that this was the one component that I really needed to add and that I would begin to see results fairly soon.

I don't get it??????

First of all, age is irrelevant if you are using proper form. I took a 72 year old woman who had never been in the gym and trained her to be able to be a body builder. Unless you have a physical limitation because of injury or illness, you can still lift heavy.

Second, you aren't lifting heavy enough. If you can do 15 reps per set, it's an endurance exercise not a strength exercise. Up your weight (or tell your trainer to up your weight) so that you can barely complete the 5th or 6th rep with proper form. Rest 1-3 minutes between sets. Do your cardio after your weight training (but not as long). Then WAIT 6 WEEKS before weighing again.