Looking WORSE after starting lifting

AlongCame_Molly

Has anyone experienced this? I dieted for a full year, and got to around my goal weight, but of course without toning still looked a little soft and flabby.

Now I'm beginning a heavy lifting regimen, and I feel like I look markedly WORSE than before I started. My stomach isn't as flat, and I have more "squish" on my hips and thighs. I am really hoping that, since I've only been at it for 2 weeks, that this is maybe my body retaining water, or possibly little "newbie gains" under the small amount of fat I am still trying to get rid of.

Thoughts? Anyone else had this happen to them? Did it eventually go away? If so, how long did it take? (For anyone wondering, I am eating 1600/day plus exercise calories, 100+g of protein daily, and lift heavy 3 times a week, usually with 20-30 min cardio on rest days.)


ETA: People seem to be confused as to what I'm saying: I'm not expecting to see results in two weeks, I am surprised to look WORSE after two weeks, and am asking if this is normal for lifting newbs. Holy hell, I forgot how you have to spell out EVERYTHING for some people on here, lol!

PureAdamic

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

TaurianDoll

I have one area that does this when I start toning and that is my abdominal area. It seems like the fat pushes to one central location then burns away as I strengthen the muscle underneath. Stay with it. It will get better and keep drinking water so your body can release any water that it's hoarding.

Also, you probably won't see any real gains until you've been doing it for 3 months and even still, it won't be that noticeable. You will feel different and you may lose inches.

crazybookworm

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^^This!

DavPul

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

SoViLicious

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

yeah that

Jacwhite22

Has anyone experienced this? I dieted for a full year, and got to around my goal weight, but of course without toning still looked a little soft and flabby.

Now I'm beginning a heavy lifting regimen, and I feel like I look markedly WORSE than before I started. My stomach isn't as flat, and I have more "squish" on my hips and thighs. I am really hoping that, since I've only been at it for 2 weeks, that this is maybe my body retaining water, or possibly little "newbie gains" under the small amount of fat I am still trying to get rid of.

Thoughts? Anyone else had this happen to them? Did it eventually go away? If so, how long did it take? (For anyone wondering, I am eating 1600/day plus exercise calories, 100+g of protein daily, and lift heavy 3 times a week, usually with 20-30 min cardio on rest days.)

How is your food compared to before you started lifting? What is your goal exactly?

iulia_maddie

Two weeks is not enough for you to notice any real change (good or bad).

AlongCame_Molly

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

yeah that

Soooo. what you're all saying is......what, exactly? I don't think I get it. Run it by me one more time, but could you put it in simpler terms, maybe?

Jacwhite22

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

yeah that

Soooo. what you're all saying is......what, exactly? I don't think I get it. Run it by me one more time, but could you put it in simpler terms, maybe?

they are saying you haven't done it long enough to make any kind of decision/judgement.

meeper123

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^^This!

2 weeks is not enough to do ANYTHING lol

Cr01502

Do zumba.

AlongCame_Molly

Has anyone experienced this? I dieted for a full year, and got to around my goal weight, but of course without toning still looked a little soft and flabby.

Now I'm beginning a heavy lifting regimen, and I feel like I look markedly WORSE than before I started. My stomach isn't as flat, and I have more "squish" on my hips and thighs. I am really hoping that, since I've only been at it for 2 weeks, that this is maybe my body retaining water, or possibly little "newbie gains" under the small amount of fat I am still trying to get rid of.

Thoughts? Anyone else had this happen to them? Did it eventually go away? If so, how long did it take? (For anyone wondering, I am eating 1600/day plus exercise calories, 100+g of protein daily, and lift heavy 3 times a week, usually with 20-30 min cardio on rest days.)

How is your food compared to before you started lifting? What is your goal exactly?

To look awesome naked!

(Food is about the same, just more of it. High protein and fats, moderate carbs, minimal processed foods, lots of veggies, TONS of water)

cmcollins001

Do zumba.

^^ This

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Water retention from swollen muscles.

AlongCame_Molly

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

yeah that

Soooo. what you're all saying is......what, exactly? I don't think I get it. Run it by me one more time, but could you put it in simpler terms, maybe?

they are saying you haven't done it long enough to make any kind of decision/judgement.

Oh, is THAT what they were saying? All this time? Why didn't they jut say so? :laugh:

myofibril

Water retention from swollen muscles.

and glycogen stored in skeletal muscle...

It will pass. Keep going.

sz8soon

you could just quit and stay soft and flabby.

People you see with all those cut beautiful muscles didn't get them in two weeks.

ahviendha

Are you measuring? Track them every week, legs, arms, waist and hips.

Ninguneado73

You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months

^This

yeah that

Soooo. what you're all saying is......what, exactly? I don't think I get it. Run it by me one more time, but could you put it in simpler terms, maybe?

they are saying you haven't done it long enough to make any kind of decision/judgement.

Oh, is THAT what they were saying? All this time? Why didn't they jut say so? :laugh:

lol...!

kaypat09

Currently experiencing this now- ESP in the lower tummy. It'll go away though... I hope