120lbs and no progress
cuboids
Posts: 22 Member
I have read that weight loss takes longer when you get down to the low numbers. But how much longer?
70 days ago, I started at 124. I am aiming for somewhere around 115, which is what I used to weigh a year ago. I have always been 'skinny fat' - slim built but with zero muscle tone. My goal is NOT to be skinny, but to build muscle and to feel lean and strong.
I am on Day 25 of the 30DS and eating 1350 cals per day (upped from 1200 originally because I ascertained from these boards that this wasn't a good idea!). I'm also eating cleaner than ever, learning to cook properly, trying to get more active.
Despite this, my weight loss has stagnated - and if anything, I've gained a couple lbs back (from 118 to 120). I haven't lost a single pound since I started 30DS, but I definitely feel stronger. My measurements haven't really changed either. Am I building muscle or is this my body's way of telling me that I'm not supposed to lose any more?
70 days ago, I started at 124. I am aiming for somewhere around 115, which is what I used to weigh a year ago. I have always been 'skinny fat' - slim built but with zero muscle tone. My goal is NOT to be skinny, but to build muscle and to feel lean and strong.
I am on Day 25 of the 30DS and eating 1350 cals per day (upped from 1200 originally because I ascertained from these boards that this wasn't a good idea!). I'm also eating cleaner than ever, learning to cook properly, trying to get more active.
Despite this, my weight loss has stagnated - and if anything, I've gained a couple lbs back (from 118 to 120). I haven't lost a single pound since I started 30DS, but I definitely feel stronger. My measurements haven't really changed either. Am I building muscle or is this my body's way of telling me that I'm not supposed to lose any more?
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Replies
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How long has it been like this?0
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Do you fit in your old jeans? Go by that instead of weight. You will weigh more at the same size if you have muscles than you did at skinny fat.0
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How long has it been like this?
I hit 118 mid-December. So then started the 30DS to take it up a notch. And now I'm back to 120!0 -
As you get older your body changes. I remember when I was 21 at 108 lbs and started gaining as my age went up. Just stay active and eat healthy. I didn't do those things and now I'm 42 at 170. Would do anything to be 130, I know I will never be 108 again. It's not about a number its about how you look and feel!!!0
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Do you fit in your old jeans? Go by that instead of weight. You will weigh more at the same size if you have muscles than you did at skinny fat.
My weight really fluctuates - I'm still figuring out what makes me bloat, retain water etc. Some days I feel dramatically smaller in my clothes, other days as heavy as I used to.0 -
Given that you've got so little to lose (and I say that knowing that 5 lbs at 120 can feel like a huge amount of weight) I don't think this is unreasonable. I'll state off the bat that you didn't gain two lbs of muscle in a month, though with the new workout the resistance training could be causing your muscles to retain more water, accounting for that weight gain. You say you feel stronger, I'd say keep doing what you're doing, making healthy choices with food and working out. Pay close attention to your weight, and if it keeps rising then take action.
I want to point out that if you do want to build muscle, eventually you're going to need to increase calorie intake and start bulking. 115 is quite possibly an unrealistic goal if you also want to be muscular. Achieving the leanness you want first is usually a good idea before delving into bulk and cut cycles, so I think you should be ok for a while yet.0 -
I just want to say that you really shouldn't focus on a number on the scale, especially if you want to build some muscle. The time in my life when I wore the smallest size clothes was also the time that I weighed the most--I was a heavy lifting fool with a smokin' hot bod. People guessed that I weighed around 125 when, in fact, I was closer to 160.0
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It does take a long time for the last few lbs because you should be aiming for 1/2 lb per week. Also, with 30DS you should either set your account to lightly active or eating an additional 200-300 calories on days you workout. More than likely, you need more than 1350.. probably closer to 1500-1600. Also, what are your goals? Strength, endurance, low body fat, more muscle.... this will determine the course you need to take.
If you want to build muscle, below are two threads that show what can happen. But I can tell you, you will not do it with 30DS and a calorie deficit.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/0 -
Strenght training is your answer and then you will start seeing definition and your body will change and become leaner
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Just remember that muscle is heavier than fat. So you might be losing fat but building muscle which will make the scale stagnate. You should probably start relying on your measurements rather than your weight.0
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I'd recommend start measuring body fat % and forget weight alone as your way of measuring success.0
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In your case, I would just forget about the scale and go by body fat % or even just how you look.
Did you take any before pics? If so, take some pics now and compare them side by side. You may be surprised.0 -
I have read that weight loss takes longer when you get down to the low numbers. But how much longer?
70 days ago, I started at 124. I am aiming for somewhere around 115, which is what I used to weigh a year ago. I have always been 'skinny fat' - slim built but with zero muscle tone. My goal is NOT to be skinny, but to build muscle and to feel lean and strong.
I am on Day 25 of the 30DS and eating 1350 cals per day (upped from 1200 originally because I ascertained from these boards that this wasn't a good idea!). I'm also eating cleaner than ever, learning to cook properly, trying to get more active.
Despite this, my weight loss has stagnated - and if anything, I've gained a couple lbs back (from 118 to 120). I haven't lost a single pound since I started 30DS, but I definitely feel stronger. My measurements haven't really changed either. Am I building muscle or is this my body's way of telling me that I'm not supposed to lose any more?
what is 30DS? and i agree with the others. Look for other indicators that you're in the place you want to be. The number on a scale is arbitrary, and not necessarily the best indicator of your success.0 -
Just remember that muscle is heavier than fat. So you might be losing fat but building muscle which will make the scale stagnate. You should probably start relying on your measurements rather than your weight.
It doesn't matter which is heavier, she isn't gaining muscle doing this program.. you barely use anything more than 5lbs and it's an endurance program. On top of that she isn't eating enough to create muscle. You need a caloric surplus to do that.0 -
It does take a long time for the last few lbs because you should be aiming for 1/2 lb per week. Also, with 30DS you should either set your account to lightly active or eating an additional 200-300 calories on days you workout. More than likely, you need more than 1350.. probably closer to 1500-1600. Also, what are your goals? Strength, endurance, low body fat, more muscle.... this will determine the course you need to take.
If you want to build muscle, below are two threads that show what can happen. But I can tell you, you will not do it with 30DS and a calorie deficit.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
When I say 'build muscle', I mean for example that before I started 30DS I couldn't do a single push-up or a sit-up. Now I can do 20 push-ups and a lot of sit-ups (l must have good abs under there somewhere!). It's about starting small. The skinny fat v fit photo looks quite familiar in terms of build - maybe this is a bit like my situation.
My goals are to be kind of all-around fitter: to run 5k easily (getting there!), and to be able to see those abs. To actually have some muscle at all in my arms and a butt! Post 30DS I'll probably do Ripped in 30.
I feel fine on 1350, but it's good to know that I can get away with more if I need to.
Thanks for your advice!0 -
It does take a long time for the last few lbs because you should be aiming for 1/2 lb per week. Also, with 30DS you should either set your account to lightly active or eating an additional 200-300 calories on days you workout. More than likely, you need more than 1350.. probably closer to 1500-1600. Also, what are your goals? Strength, endurance, low body fat, more muscle.... this will determine the course you need to take.
If you want to build muscle, below are two threads that show what can happen. But I can tell you, you will not do it with 30DS and a calorie deficit.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
When I say 'build muscle', I mean for example that before I started 30DS I couldn't do a single push-up or a sit-up. Now I can do 20 push-ups and a lot of sit-ups (l must have good abs under there somewhere!). It's about starting small. The skinny fat v fit photo looks quite familiar in terms of build - maybe this is a bit like my situation.
My goals are to be kind of all-around fitter: to run 5k easily (getting there!), and to be able to see those abs. To actually have some muscle at all in my arms and a butt! Post 30DS I'll probably do Ripped in 30.
I feel fine on 1350, but it's good to know that I can get away with more if I need to.
Thanks for your advice!
It's often easier to cut first and then bulk to build the muscle you want (or some of it anyway), so I think you're on the right track. Just keep an eye on it.0 -
Good for you for taking steps towards your goals.
30DS is just a beginner tool. And you're not going to get the body you want just with that program. I'm guessing you are using at the most 5# weights?
I would suggest New Rules of Lifting for Women, a Body Building program like Jamie Eason, any of the Beach Body video series that focus on strength, or hire a trainer. It won't bulk you up and will help create the body you want. It also won't happen overnight so be prepared to work at it for several months and then continue on with it.
I lost a lot of weight in my late 30s but it wasn't until I started lifting that I began to like my body. My limbs now have definition in them and I'm liking what I see. I started with the 30DS and thought it was very tough for me, someone who was really out of shape. But now I go back to it on occasion and it is very easy compared to a lot of other strength training I am doing.
Good luck!0 -
If you want to build muscle, cut the cardio down and increase the food and lift heavy weights.
30DS won't do much for your muscles. Are you sore? You may not be losing since your muscles will retain water. Take some rest days.
If you do want to build muscle you can't focus on the scale.... it will not show progress.0 -
Good for you for taking steps towards your goals.
30DS is just a beginner tool. And you're not going to get the body you want just with that program. I'm guessing you are using at the most 5# weights?
I would suggest New Rules of Lifting for Women, a Body Building program like Jamie Eason, any of the Beach Body video series that focus on strength, or hire a trainer. It won't bulk you up and will help create the body you want. It also won't happen overnight so be prepared to work at it for several months and then continue on with it.
I lost a lot of weight in my late 30s but it wasn't until I started lifting that I began to like my body. My limbs now have definition in them and I'm liking what I see. I started with the 30DS and thought it was very tough for me, someone who was really out of shape. But now I go back to it on occasion and it is very easy compared to a lot of other strength training I am doing.
Good luck!
Thank you.
Yes, you're right - it's baby steps. I'm using 2kg weights and although 30DS has never made me sore, it definitely does get easier as the 10 days goes on.
I realise that at some point that I'll have to start lifting. But at the moment I can't afford to join a gym so it's a 'make do' situation. If that means doing home workouts, youtube pilates, cardio etc for a couple of months until I save up, then that's what I'll do. I'm not looking for a quick fix, so that's fine. Better than nothing!
Congrats on your own success!0 -
If you want to build muscle, cut the cardio down and increase the food and lift heavy weights.
30DS won't do much for your muscles. Are you sore? You may not be losing since your muscles will retain water. Take some rest days.
If you do want to build muscle you can't focus on the scale.... it will not show progress.
I'm not really doing serious cardio - walking everywhere (as standard) plus one 5k run plus one zumba class a week. Is that really too much?
30DS hasn't made me sore since the first day, but it's not a walk in the park either. When I'm finished in 5 days I'll definitely get into a more sensible routine with rest days.0 -
God i wish I had your problem :-)0
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If you're getting stronger, I would reevaluate your goals a little bit. Are five pounds really the deciding factor in your happiness?
I would gain 5 pounds right now if you told me I'd be able to go from no pushups to 20+ of them. It sounds like you've had amazing success so far, but you're not really enjoying it because of the scale
You could take some measurements, give it a month or two, and see how you compare. Or you could count your progress in how much stronger you're getting. Also, up your 30DS weights - when I do it I use 7 or 8 pound weights. If you're not sore it might be because you're not being challenged enough
Another thing to consider... at your age, you may have hips and things now, more-so than a couple years ago. It's just not feasible for most women to maintain the weight they had in their teenage years, because your body is a different shape, but it's still perfectly possible for you to look totally awesome
Personally, at 5'6", I've kept my weight at around 142 for the past 3+ months (started out around 150), but during those past couple months I have lost multiple inches off around my stomach. The scale is a false measure of your progress!
Good luck!0 -
If you want to build muscle, cut the cardio down and increase the food and lift heavy weights.
30DS won't do much for your muscles. Are you sore? You may not be losing since your muscles will retain water. Take some rest days.
If you do want to build muscle you can't focus on the scale.... it will not show progress.
I'm not really doing serious cardio - walking everywhere (as standard) plus one 5k run plus one zumba class a week. Is that really too much?
30DS hasn't made me sore since the first day, but it's not a walk in the park either. When I'm finished in 5 days I'll definitely get into a more sensible routine with rest days.
Most people consider 30DS cardio not weight lifting because it's low weight, high repetitions, and at a fast pace. I'd look into some body weight exercises you can perform at home.
Here are a few, but I'm sure there are a ton all over the internet:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/03/10/angry-birds-workout-plan/
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/12/20/the-20-minute-hotel-workout/0 -
I also suggest checking out nerd fitness even if you are not a nerd. I think the original poster may want to read this:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
It will lay out the benefits of lifting heavy. I've been doing the Beginner Bodyweight Routine on that site and I am seeing some great physical results after just 3 weeks of it.0 -
Some really great links and advice. Thanks so much guys! I'm going to re-evaluate my goals, get off the scale and keep at it.0
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Do you lift? I plateaued at 121-122lbs but when I started lifting, lowered my carbs, and increased protein I started losing again.0
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It does take a long time for the last few lbs because you should be aiming for 1/2 lb per week. Also, with 30DS you should either set your account to lightly active or eating an additional 200-300 calories on days you workout. More than likely, you need more than 1350.. probably closer to 1500-1600. Also, what are your goals? Strength, endurance, low body fat, more muscle.... this will determine the course you need to take.
If you want to build muscle, below are two threads that show what can happen. But I can tell you, you will not do it with 30DS and a calorie deficit.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
When I say 'build muscle', I mean for example that before I started 30DS I couldn't do a single push-up or a sit-up. Now I can do 20 push-ups and a lot of sit-ups (l must have good abs under there somewhere!). It's about starting small. The skinny fat v fit photo looks quite familiar in terms of build - maybe this is a bit like my situation.
My goals are to be kind of all-around fitter: to run 5k easily (getting there!), and to be able to see those abs. To actually have some muscle at all in my arms and a butt! Post 30DS I'll probably do Ripped in 30.
I feel fine on 1350, but it's good to know that I can get away with more if I need to.
Thanks for your advice!
Eating more it not really an option, it's more of suggestion as if you under eat, you cause greater stress on your body and make results harder. Large deficits = failure. Smaller deficits will nourish your body and allow for it to drop body fat. I lost a hell of a lot more body fat at 2500-2700 calories than I ever did at 1800 calories. And even though you might feel good, you are probably hurting your results. And since you really aren't seeing results at 1350, why not try 1600 for a month or two. Also, I would suggest adjusting macro's to around 35/40/25 c/p/f if you aren't around there. The additional protein will help maintain muscle.
Also, you are increasing strength, not gaining muscle
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If you want to build muscle, cut the cardio down and increase the food and lift heavy weights.
30DS won't do much for your muscles. Are you sore? You may not be losing since your muscles will retain water. Take some rest days.
If you do want to build muscle you can't focus on the scale.... it will not show progress.
I'm not really doing serious cardio - walking everywhere (as standard) plus one 5k run plus one zumba class a week. Is that really too much?
30DS hasn't made me sore since the first day, but it's not a walk in the park either. When I'm finished in 5 days I'll definitely get into a more sensible routine with rest days.
30DS is cardio. Many think it's a weight routine however no one uses heavy enough weights while doing it for it to have much impact on your muscles in terms of actual adding muscle.0 -
If you want to build muscle, cut the cardio down and increase the food and lift heavy weights.
30DS won't do much for your muscles. Are you sore? You may not be losing since your muscles will retain water. Take some rest days.
If you do want to build muscle you can't focus on the scale.... it will not show progress.
I'm not really doing serious cardio - walking everywhere (as standard) plus one 5k run plus one zumba class a week. Is that really too much?
30DS hasn't made me sore since the first day, but it's not a walk in the park either. When I'm finished in 5 days I'll definitely get into a more sensible routine with rest days.
30DS is cardio. Many think it's a weight routine however no one uses heavy enough weights while doing it for it to have much impact on your muscles in terms of actual adding muscle.
Exactly.. If you aren't lifting more weight than an average purse, it will not build muscle.0
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