Stronglifts 5x5 for Women

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New to 5x5- weight gain?

saramea
saramea Posts: 49 Member
in Social Groups
I did NROLW over the summer and had some success. I started 5x5 with the husband and we are in the middle of week 4.

If I'm honest with myself, I probably weighed in at 166 - 167 (I'm 6ft tall) when we started and am up to 169-170 as of this morning.

I haven't been great at tracking lately, but my diet hasn't been horrible (no fast food, soda's, second helpings, minimal chocolate).

So I guess my question is, did anyone else experience such a jump in weight? If so, did you ever eventually LOSE weight by doing the program, and how long did it take. I'm really just more concerned with losing the fat around my mid section, but it seems like I'm only starting to notice a change in my lower body and arms.

I know folks say to forget the scale but that is easier said than done. Clothes still fit OK but still feel snug around the middle. I didn't take starting measurements :(

Replies

  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    When I first started I weighed the day after a workout, and I was up a few pounds. You tend to retain more water after a workout (has to do with cortisol and glycogen stores). Since you're only up a few pounds, it could easily be that or even you ate something with more salt than normal. Your weight can vary up to 5 pounds any given day due to water weight. Look at an overall trend and take measurements.
  • faeriewings1
    faeriewings1 Posts: 98 Member
    Hi
    I'm 5'11 and have probably gained a kilo (2.2 pounds) since starting 5x5, but I have also upped my cals at the same time so think the gain is more to do with that than 5x5. I have actually lost about 1.5 inches off my waist, and I don't think I look any different. Sadly I can't tell you if the weight is going to go or not because mine hasn't yet.
  • nexangelus
    nexangelus Posts: 2,080 Member
    Yes, mine was water weight, think it is the muscles swelling with glycogen that is needed to lift heavier...also if it is a new start in exercise, there will be a gain at first and then loss if you are eating at deficit. My waist went up then down as well as all other measurements. They are stable now...
  • mareeee1234
    mareeee1234 Posts: 674 Member
    Bump!
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    Yeah I think I gained 4lbs. With fluctuations as high as 6. Totes normal. I don't know when it fell off (few months?) but I did eventually end up in a smaller clothing size regardless so all good.
  • saramea
    saramea Posts: 49 Member
    Thanks! I know I need to get better on tracking and eating fewer carbs. I'll try to remember to take measurements so at least I have a comparison.
  • godslilgerl
    godslilgerl Posts: 64 Member
    Yeah I think I gained 4lbs. With fluctuations as high as 6. Totes normal. I don't know when it fell off (few months?) but I did eventually end up in a smaller clothing size regardless so all good.

    I'm so glad you posted this because i was starting to get discouraged...i just finish my 4th week of lifting and while i did lose a pound i feel like my clothes feel tighter so i assumed i was holding onto water but i thought for sure it would have been gone by week 4
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    Yeah I think I gained 4lbs. With fluctuations as high as 6. Totes normal. I don't know when it fell off (few months?) but I did eventually end up in a smaller clothing size regardless so all good.

    I'm so glad you posted this because i was starting to get discouraged...i just finish my 4th week of lifting and while i did lose a pound i feel like my clothes feel tighter so i assumed i was holding onto water but i thought for sure it would have been gone by week 4

    Some people seem to drop it quicker than others, some people don't seem to see it drop until they take little breaks. My first time through, I didnt' see it drop til I went on vacation, but after that it seemed to normalize and see it more like day to day or week to week fluctuations.
  • godslilgerl
    godslilgerl Posts: 64 Member
    Yeah I think I gained 4lbs. With fluctuations as high as 6. Totes normal. I don't know when it fell off (few months?) but I did eventually end up in a smaller clothing size regardless so all good.

    I'm so glad you posted this because i was starting to get discouraged...i just finish my 4th week of lifting and while i did lose a pound i feel like my clothes feel tighter so i assumed i was holding onto water but i thought for sure it would have been gone by week 4

    Some people seem to drop it quicker than others, some people don't seem to see it drop until they take little breaks. My first time through, I didnt' see it drop til I went on vacation, but after that it seemed to normalize and see it more like day to day or week to week fluctuations.

    whew ok i will be patient then thank you ! at least i'm not gaining =)
  • McAlyna
    McAlyna Posts: 123 Member
    Yes, mine was water weight, think it is the muscles swelling with glycogen that is needed to lift heavier...also if it is a new start in exercise, there will be a gain at first and then loss if you are eating at deficit. My waist went up then down as well as all other measurements. They are stable now...

    Interesting! I am gaining and yes, I am patient but I'd like to know how long before you see the lost again? I'm on week 12 and still not losing. :noway:
  • McAlyna
    McAlyna Posts: 123 Member
    Yeah I think I gained 4lbs. With fluctuations as high as 6. Totes normal. I don't know when it fell off (few months?) but I did eventually end up in a smaller clothing size regardless so all good.

    I'm so glad you posted this because i was starting to get discouraged...i just finish my 4th week of lifting and while i did lose a pound i feel like my clothes feel tighter so i assumed i was holding onto water but i thought for sure it would have been gone by week 4

    Some people seem to drop it quicker than others, some people don't seem to see it drop until they take little breaks. My first time through, I didnt' see it drop til I went on vacation, but after that it seemed to normalize and see it more like day to day or week to week fluctuations.

    I'm glad I read this thread. I was wondering everyday about my weight gains and my tight thigh pants. I'll keep going and hope to see a miracle happen one day.

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