What am I doing wrong? Heavy lifting not working. Ugghh

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niqua215
niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
I am trying so hard not to be frustrated! Trying to be patient but my darn weight is going up rather than down. Eating less didn't work, now eating more doesn't seem to be working either. Killing myself with cardio didn't work, now this heavy lifting isn't giving me any results on the scale or in my clothes. I'm eating at a deficit 20% below my TDEE, lifting heavy 4 days a week with a half hour of cardio on two of those days. What am I doing wrong here? What do I need to change? Got a ton of weight to lose, 100 damn lbs, and I don't see how I'll get close to my goal if nothing is working. I'm really trying here and trying not to quit again. Sigh. Been heavy lifting for almost a month. Uggghhhh.........End Rant...........
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Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,326 Member
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    you've only been at it a month.

    are you losing inches and getting stronger? then it's doing what it's supposed to be doing.

    as someone who's only lost 25 pounds but 4 pant sizes i can definitely say that if you're overly concerned with seeing weight loss on the scale then you will have to reassess your expectations from strength training
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
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    Are you tracking measurements and pictures to ensure you are having no progress?

    Are you using a food scale to weigh everything you eat and tracking everything every day?

    Are you 100% positive that you are using an accurate TDEE? Are you really as active as you think you are?

    If you answered yes to all these questions, give it another month than cut done your calories more or add more cardio because your deficit isn't what you think it is.
  • escort9580
    escort9580 Posts: 23 Member
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    First don't get discouraged- that will do you in. Stay positive. You are getting strong even if the scale isn't moving momentarily and it will help you lose weight. Try changing up your workouts, variety helps a lot.
  • Terry903
    Terry903 Posts: 43 Member
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    Muscles make you weight more! But they make you look and feel great! Check your measurements, and your how your clothes fit. Also, how you are feeling? Are you starting to feel stronger, calmer, healthier? Weight is not always the correct thing to be measuring! Keep up the good work! Exercise an alternate set of muscles every other day so you don't overdue it!
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
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    Are you tracking measurements and pictures to ensure you are having no progress?

    Are you using a food scale to weigh everything you eat and tracking everything every day?

    Are you 100% positive that you are using an accurate TDEE? Are you really as active as you think you are?

    If you answered yes to all these questions, give it another month than cut done your calories more or add more cardio because your deficit isn't what you think it is.

    No inches lost, and clothes fit the same. My TDEE is actually set to lightly active instead of moderate so I don't know what else to do :(
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
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    I am getting stronger and increasing my weights each week so I can say that's one positive aspect of lifting but seeing actual results on the scale or my clothing would be so great :( How long does it usually take to see some kind of results, even if it's just inches?
  • SmartAlec03211988
    SmartAlec03211988 Posts: 1,896 Member
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    I wouldn't expect to see any results until the 3rd or 4th month mark.

    And do you have a food scale?
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
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    Are you tracking measurements and pictures to ensure you are having no progress?

    Are you using a food scale to weigh everything you eat and tracking everything every day?

    Are you 100% positive that you are using an accurate TDEE? Are you really as active as you think you are?

    If you answered yes to all these questions, give it another month than cut done your calories more or add more cardio because your deficit isn't what you think it is.



    No inches lost, and clothes fit the same. My TDEE is actually set to lightly active instead of moderate so I don't know what else to do :(

    Are you weighing all your food and tracking everything you eat or drink? The smaller your deficit, the easier it is to undo it all with a cheat day/meal or sloppy tracking.
  • CrystalSCline
    CrystalSCline Posts: 8 Member
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    Are you eating enough protein? You should be eating 60-80 grams of protein a day to maintain muscle and build. You should also consume at least 20 grams post workout (within 20 mins) to help new growth. Building muscle is a great way to burn more fat when your body is at rest.....keep at it girl....it will come off. I sometimes have 2-3 weeks stalling at the same weight....then my body catches up....Keep on keeping on!
  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
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    Keep doing what you are doing. Lifting will make your muscles retain water to help repair themselves which can be part of the reason why you aren't seeing the scale move. Pay attention to measurements instead.

    Make sure you are properly tracking your calorie intake as well. Weigh all foods. Track everything. Ensure you are getting enough protein, water, etc.
  • kgem4u2
    kgem4u2 Posts: 69
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    Try dropping you activity level to sedentary and see if that helps. Make sure you count every calorie possible. That dip of butter, that scoop of peanut butter. Those little dips and daps add up.
  • waldo56
    waldo56 Posts: 1,861 Member
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    Consistency over the long haul is the key to success.

    Trust your program will get you there. Worrying will only lead to problems. Makes small adjustments instead of massive overhauls.

    Its only been a month. In a couple years you'll be where you want to be. Things don't happen overnight.
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
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    I wouldn't expect to see any results until the 3rd or 4th month mark.

    And do you have a food scale?

    That's a long time to start seeing results. Guess I'll have to work on my patience. I do have a food scale but I don't use it.
  • lanigersh
    lanigersh Posts: 1 Member
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    I hear your pain! I did a knock-off of the Ideal Protein (using a friend who had been through the program, and a protein drink from Costco) through Jan and Feb. I lost 18 pounds, but was worried about the severe restrictions and wanted to work out. So I went to a 1200 calorie diet and started running and doing Insanity the first of March. I did not lose any pounds...and after a month discovered I was not eating enough! So then I started using the Insanity nutritional plan. I alternate days of Insanity (I'm in the Max month, now) and the Spartacus workout. On Spartacus days, I also run (doing the couch to 5K program, on week 7). I try to bike on Insanity days. I still was not losing, so I eliminated all grains and rices (from Paleo) but kept the calories up, with lots of protein. No sugar. Still not losing!! I am now using the recommended calories here. The good news is, I haven't gained. The bad news is...my weight and clothes size has remained the same for 10 weeks. I wouldn't be so frustrated if my pants were getting looser. This has been very hard for me...more than once I've wanted to give up, sit on the couch, and eat dessert! I'm almost 45, so that is some of the problem, I'm sure.... :(
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
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    Are you eating enough protein? You should be eating 60-80 grams of protein a day to maintain muscle and build. You should also consume at least 20 grams post workout (within 20 mins) to help new growth. Building muscle is a great way to burn more fat when your body is at rest.....keep at it girl....it will come off. I sometimes have 2-3 weeks stalling at the same weight....then my body catches up....Keep on keeping on!

    I average over 100 Grams of protein daily and I do drink a protein shake after workouts so I think I'm doing ok there. thanks for the input. I'll stick with it.
  • girlykate143
    girlykate143 Posts: 220 Member
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    Don't give up. Keep going. You may not notice anything until at least 6 weeks, that's the way it was for me.
    Are you doing some cardio after lifting or on alternate lifting days?

    May I introduce you to a few helpful people and sites if you don't already know about these:
    Nia Shanks - Lift like a girl. She's pretty awesome and helpful and responds to forum posts and stuff.

    In Place of a Road Map here on MFP

    http://eatercise.com.au/?p=320

    tons of stuff on nerd fitness: http://www.nerdfitness.com/top-posts/
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
    Options
    I hear your pain! I did a knock-off of the Ideal Protein (using a friend who had been through the program, and a protein drink from Costco) through Jan and Feb. I lost 18 pounds, but was worried about the severe restrictions and wanted to work out. So I went to a 1200 calorie diet and started running and doing Insanity the first of March. I did not lose any pounds...and after a month discovered I was not eating enough! So then I started using the Insanity nutritional plan. I alternate days of Insanity (I'm in the Max month, now) and the Spartacus workout. On Spartacus days, I also run (doing the couch to 5K program, on week 7). I try to bike on Insanity days. I still was not losing, so I eliminated all grains and rices (from Paleo) but kept the calories up, with lots of protein. No sugar. Still not losing!! I am now using the recommended calories here. The good news is, I haven't gained. The bad news is...my weight and clothes size has remained the same for 10 weeks. I wouldn't be so frustrated if my pants were getting looser. This has been very hard for me...more than once I've wanted to give up, sit on the couch, and eat dessert! I'm almost 45, so that is some of the problem, I'm sure.... :(

    I feel your pain. I'm trying here. Hopefully this works.
  • baptiste565
    baptiste565 Posts: 590 Member
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    I wouldn't expect to see any results until the 3rd or 4th month mark.

    And do you have a food scale?

    That's a long time to start seeing results. Guess I'll have to work on my patience. I do have a food scale but I don't use it.
    try using the food scale. weigh and measure everything. u got this!
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
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    give it time. keep at it. etc. etc. etc.

    it took me over a year of lifting heavy consistently and eating at a deficit to lose 25lbs and go from this to this-

    http://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2012/05/13/52252611/progresspic/NpFjxswxesKqKzpIvGRNoahXzXiFtFZUqwbo-610xh.jpg

    and i look MUCH better than i do in that after now (an additional 8 months later).

    Don't rush it!
  • niqua215
    niqua215 Posts: 283 Member
    Options
    Don't give up. Keep going. You may not notice anything until at least 6 weeks, that's the way it was for me.
    Are you doing some cardio after lifting or on alternate lifting days?

    May I introduce you to a few helpful people and sites if you don't already know about these:
    Nia Shanks - Lift like a girl. She's pretty awesome and helpful and responds to forum posts and stuff.

    In Place of a Road Map here on MFP

    http://eatercise.com.au/?p=320

    tons of stuff on nerd fitness: http://www.nerdfitness.com/top-posts/

    I do a half hour of cardio on two of my lifting days and do an hour sometimes on my off days from lifting. Should I be doing more? I do 4 days of lifting, alternating upper and lower body.