Ladies only! Started exercising, gaining weight?

capriqueen
capriqueen Posts: 976 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi! I started going to the gym two weeks ago and getting my diet into shape But I noticed today that I gained almost 4 lbs! Also, it's the 14th day of my cycle, does that matter?

Replies

  • skinnybjasse
    skinnybjasse Posts: 39 Member
    This has happened to me too in the past, you think you're doing so well and then you check out the scale and you're like WHAT?
    So here's what I've picked up from my past experience:

    - when you start a new diet and exercise regimen, start with fun cardio like dancing, zumba or step that is pure cardio only. Any other cardio (running, elliptical, power yoga, pilates etc) have just made me bigger from day 1. The fact that you're also limiting your diet will make your body likely to 'hold on' to any fats that it's scared to get rid of now that you're not 'feeding' it as much. I would hold off on weight training too initially or at least only do weight training exercises 2-3 times/week using only your own body for resistance- there are plenty of moves to do without weights that are just as effective

    - If you're hell bent on crazy cardio and machines in the gym, measure your neck, biceps, thighs, hip and waist. If you gain weight it might be muscle weight BUT you should see these areas getting tighter and eventually smaller ( unless you're doing crazy reps and just tearing through sets)

    - Ultimately accept that your body is changing and it needs the right diet and cardio to start getting rid of the extra weight. It may take a couple weeks for the body to adjust but I tell you- the cardio dance really made a difference for me this time around ( started in January). Good luck!
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    It's not uncommon for us to see no change or even a slight gain when we start a new exercise routine or increase an old one. Our bodies flood sore muscles with water and glycogen to help cushion and repair them, masking any fat loss going on. Drink plenty of water to flush out any excess. The scale should move in the right direction soon.
  • capriqueen
    capriqueen Posts: 976 Member
    Thanks! But what I do is circuit train for a half hour everyday. Im taking things slow so I pack in a half hour or so of walking everyday. I can't figure out for the life of me if that's water or fluid retention!
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    You'll gain and lose weight through out your cycle regardless of what you're doing. You just never noticed it before because you weren't focusing on the scales.

    A new exercise program will mean muscles trying to repair themselves which results in water gain. It evens out as you get used to the exercise. Keep going!
  • capriqueen
    capriqueen Posts: 976 Member
    Thanks! That makes me feel better :)
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    This has happened to me too in the past, you think you're doing so well and then you check out the scale and you're like WHAT?
    So here's what I've picked up from my past experience:

    - when you start a new diet and exercise regimen, start with fun cardio like dancing, zumba or step that is pure cardio only. Any other cardio (running, elliptical, power yoga, pilates etc) have just made me bigger from day 1. The fact that you're also limiting your diet will make your body likely to 'hold on' to any fats that it's scared to get rid of now that you're not 'feeding' it as much. I would hold off on weight training too initially or at least only do weight training exercises 2-3 times/week using only your own body for resistance- there are plenty of moves to do without weights that are just as effective

    - If you're hell bent on crazy cardio and machines in the gym, measure your neck, biceps, thighs, hip and waist. If you gain weight it might be muscle weight BUT you should see these areas getting tighter and eventually smaller ( unless you're doing crazy reps and just tearing through sets)

    - Ultimately accept that your body is changing and it needs the right diet and cardio to start getting rid of the extra weight. It may take a couple weeks for the body to adjust but I tell you- the cardio dance really made a difference for me this time around ( started in January). Good luck!


    NO...just NO......Cardio won't make you gain muscle...Don't hold off on doing weights - it's the best thing you can do for you body while losing fat...Oh whatever......Too mush wrong with this post to even address all of it....:sad: :sad:

    OP, your muscles are holding on to water for repairs - its normal and good - don't get hung up on the scale, take your measurements and keep going....:flowerforyou:
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    - when you start a new diet and exercise regimen, start with fun cardio like dancing, zumba or step that is pure cardio only. Any other cardio (running, elliptical, power yoga, pilates etc) have just made me bigger from day 1. The fact that you're also limiting your diet will make your body likely to 'hold on' to any fats that it's scared to get rid of now that you're not 'feeding' it as much. I would hold off on weight training too initially or at least only do weight training exercises 2-3 times/week using only your own body for resistance- there are plenty of moves to do without weights that are just as effective

    Why would running make someone bigger than Zumba would? And why would one hold off on weights?
  • capriqueen
    capriqueen Posts: 976 Member
    Actually, I'm not holding off on weights (though I go to a sissy gym where they think holding 5 lbs in each hand is "too much" ) I'm still trying my best to keep my weight training sessions in.

    I have a pair of test-pants: pants that fit me perfectly when I was at my least weight that I use to track my progress. They fit ok, so I was thinking I'd lost some weight.

    I heard of the muscle water retention part too. Thanks again!
  • katythemommy
    katythemommy Posts: 437 Member
    I was losing weight pretty quickly before I started working out. Now that I do cardio & strength training all week, weight loss has definitely slowed down. It's not as enjoyable weighing in each week, but my clothing and measurements tell a different story. You will lose the weight and look better because you are retaining your muscle!

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