Looking WORSE after starting lifting
AlongCame_Molly
Posts: 2,835 Member
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!
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!
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Replies
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You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months0
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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.0 -
You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months
^^This!0 -
You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months
^This0 -
You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months
^This
yeah that0 -
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?0 -
Two weeks is not enough for you to notice any real change (good or bad).0
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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?0 -
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.0 -
You've been at it for 2 weeks, come back after 2 months
^^This!
2 weeks is not enough to do ANYTHING lol0 -
Do zumba.0
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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)0 -
Do zumba.
^^ This0 -
Water retention from swollen muscles.0
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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:0 -
Water retention from swollen muscles.
and glycogen stored in skeletal muscle...
It will pass. Keep going.0 -
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.0 -
Are you measuring? Track them every week, legs, arms, waist and hips.0
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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...!0 -
Currently experiencing this now- ESP in the lower tummy. It'll go away though... I hope
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Stick with it. Everything will level out eventually. Any time you make major changes to diet or types of exercise, the body will react. Once you get in the routine though, it adjusts.0
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How are your cats doing?0
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I agree.. come back in a few months. If you still have the same problem then you're doing it wrong.0
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There is nothing happening good, bad, or otherwise in two weeks...my guess is whatever your issue is, it's in your mind. Lifting only makes people look rockin'...and it takes way longer than 2 weeks. You might be retaining some water which could be attributable to a boat load of possibilities.0
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Same thing is happening to me after cutting, feel bloated. If you're drinking more milk or whey this is a huge reason, also more food fills up your stomach more.
After my first bulking week I swear I felt and looked like I gained 4 lbs, but I only gained 1 at the most.
Helpful?0 -
Same thing is happening to me after cutting, feel bloated. If you're drinking more milk or whey this is a huge reason, also more food fills up your stomach more.
After my first bulking week I swear I felt and looked like I gained 4 lbs, but I only gained 1 at the most.
Helpful?
Best response so far, very helpful. Yes, I actually am drinking much more milk that I usually do. Whole milk with whey protein, every day now.0 -
Hi, My story is similar. It has take some time and i'm still work in progress. Water retention does play a part and it is a constant battle to monitor food. I'm on 1500 cals. Exercise 3/4 times a week with HIIT training. I rarely use very heavy weights. Try to keep to a weight so I complete the exercise with say 3 sets/15 reps and then a drop set. I follow the standard type programs.
My weight plateaus, then rises and drops but the trend is about 0.5 to 1 lb per month.
If you want more info i'm happy to provide it. It took a year before I latched onto the regime that suited me. Listened and tried.
Have gone from 280 lbs to 220 llbs in 3 years. Not too fast so as the skin has time recover.
Main thing is the HIIT for the weight loss, along with a food diary. Thank to my fitness pal. Monitor your dimensions as well.
Use weights to tone.0 -
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.
Please refer to the ETA portion of my original post.0 -
Muscles tend to swell when they are stressed through weight lifting. Don't worry about how you look this soon, or if the weight on the scale goes up (it probably will at some point).
All that you can do is stay the course, eat more protein/fats over carbs/sugar, and drink tons of water. You are probably going to have to work consistently for 4-6 weeks before you see any real changes. But try to take measurements, they'll help keep you motivated through the hard times.0 -
I took a peek at your exercise diary.. I see 3 entries of weight lifting in the past 2 weeks. I find it odd that you would assume the "squish" you're seeing is coming from weight lifting when you haven't even scratched the surface yet.
Have you considered that it may be something not related to lifting that's causing this?0
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