discouraged.. bad!

StephG1130
StephG1130 Posts: 99 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been working out and eating right for about 4 months now, and i have steadily been losing weight. just recently (about 2 or so weeks) I have started running 5 days a week, along with strength training. I have been eating right around the same calories, some days when i have a particularly intense workout slightly higher (100 or so more). since ive started running, i have seen no drop in the scale.. actually a couple days ago it went up 2 lbs! i am usually not one to worry about what the scale says much, but lately its just really been bugging me. especially because people tell me that running makes you lose fat quicker. anyone have any advice or anything for me? please?

Replies

  • SloRunner25
    SloRunner25 Posts: 89 Member
    Any time I increase the intensity of my workout routine I gain or stay the same weight. It's completely normal and the scale usually starts moving again for me within a week or two. Last week I stayed the same (due to increasing running to 4 days a week, this week is 3, next week 4...etc + 2 days of strength training).

    No worries. This too shall pass. :flowerforyou:
  • Lupercalia
    Lupercalia Posts: 1,857 Member
    Muscles will retain water when you start strength training. Just keep doing your thing. Make sure you're eating enough calories to support your added exercise.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    I did an entire three months of half marathon training, which included LONG runs on the weekends..... didn't lose an ounce. cardio burns calories, friends, not so much on the fat. once I stopped the compulsive running and added more strength training back in, lost more weight. Now i'm almost through another round of half marathon training..... and while the scale hasn't moved, this time i've continued to do plenty of strength training, and I'm watching myself shrink (inches) even though the scale isn't moving.

    two things.
    the scale is the devil.

    and muscle burns fat. so strength train more.

    Also, muscles retain water.
  • StephG1130
    StephG1130 Posts: 99 Member
    one thing i dont understand that someone could possibly explain... how can you lose inches and not weight? thats always confused me! it just seems like if you are getting smaller, the # on the scale should be too...

    and thank you for commenting!! your answers are very helpful and motivating. :happy:
  • MelissaVoci
    MelissaVoci Posts: 69 Member
    Muscle weighs more than fat, so as you lose fat and build muscle, you will shrink and be more toned, but you might not lose pounds on the scale. If you are toning up and not losing weight, just know you are losing fat, and getting healthy, and that is what matters. Easier said than done, I know.... :)

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