Fat burn, muscle gain even?

jellab
jellab Posts: 35
edited January 29 in Fitness and Exercise
PLEASE DON'T HATE OR POST SARCASTIC POSTS...I get it...you do everything right, I do it all wrong. You're smart and hot and I'm dumb and ugly. So now that's out of the way, for the people who really want to help...

I've been losing very slowly (like a quarter of a pound a week), but looking much better. Firming up and I'm getting stronger and feeling great! TOTALLY not complaining. ;-) Just had a question...so I sat on the couch for almost 2 years straight and ate my face off. I'm paying for it now. I've been working out: cardio kick boxing 3 days a week and a moderate weight lifting class 3 days a week. I'm guessing that I'm losing fat while putting on some muscle since I was basically a couch potato for while there and my scale weight isn't budging. My question is, will muscle gain eventually slow down allowing the scale weight to move? I know it's not a huge deal, but mentally I'd like to reach my "goal weight". Thanks!! :-)

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    They're called "noob gains". It's when you gain some muscle mass when you first begin weight training (or any exercise for that much) after a sedentary life style. It really isn't that much though.

    What you're probably seeing is with the weight lifting (without knowing what moderate is) you are maintaining the muscle mass you have while losing fat. If you're eating at a deficit you won't gain any more muscle than your noob gains.

    The other thing is, you're body is now retaining water for muscle repair post workout. This can also impair the scale from moving.

    The best thing to do is throw the scale out the window and use the Tape/Mirror test. Measure yourself, keep a log, as it is possible to lose inches (a bit exaggerating) without losing a lot of weight, before the actual weight comes off.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    First off, good job for wanting to get in shape. The scale is not a good judge of fat loss. Best bet is to try to keep track of your body fat percentage with calipers, and keep watching yourself in the mirror for improvement. Don't get hung up on scale weight as it's not really important. I'm not sure how long you've been working out, but it's more likely that your body is holding on to water, than it is that your fat loss is equaling your muscle gain. It is very difficult to increase muscle mass, especially as a woman, but it's all about how you feel, use the mirror as a judge, not the scale.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    They're called "noob gains". It's when you gain some muscle mass when you first begin weight training (or any exercise for that much) after a sedentary life style. It really isn't that much though.

    What you're probably seeing is with the weight lifting (without knowing what moderate is) you are maintaining the muscle mass you have while losing fat. If you're eating at a deficit you won't gain any more muscle than your noob gains.

    The other thing is, you're body is now retaining water for muscle repair post workout. This can also impair the scale from moving.

    The best thing to do is throw the scale out the window and use the Tape/Mirror test. Measure yourself, keep a log, as it is possible to lose inches (a bit exaggerating) without losing a lot of weight, before the actual weight comes off.

    ^ This.
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    This
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/adding-muscle-while-losing-fat-qa.html
  • Binkie1955
    Binkie1955 Posts: 329 Member
    Not sure where the sarcasm comes from. I find most folks on MFP are real swell and nice and that's why I like it.
    personally, I like what you're doing and am doing it the same way. But i'm less concerned with my goal weight and more concerned with my body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage and such. you can buy a scale that measures both on Amazon and other body fat percentage estimators. Also, if you have begun to use Real Age.com, you might like it as well. I'm more focused on 'staying younger physiologically' than my weight. So I manage carbohydrates, not calories. that said, I work out and try to keep my muscle mass % the same or up and my body fat % going down. as it happens, I've lost weight, about 6 pounds, but like you, I mainly like that clothes fit better, my 'drop' has improved (chest size minus waist size) and resting pulse rate has dropped (to about 55) and pulse pressure has increased. I'd keep doing what you're doing until you look the way you want to look and then whatever weight you are at, that's your goal weight. hang in there.
  • DonnaW_78
    DonnaW_78 Posts: 76 Member
    They're called "noob gains". It's when you gain some muscle mass when you first begin weight training (or any exercise for that much) after a sedentary life style. It really isn't that much though.

    What you're probably seeing is with the weight lifting (without knowing what moderate is) you are maintaining the muscle mass you have while losing fat. If you're eating at a deficit you won't gain any more muscle than your noob gains.

    The other thing is, you're body is now retaining water for muscle repair post workout. This can also impair the scale from moving.

    The best thing to do is throw the scale out the window and use the Tape/Mirror test. Measure yourself, keep a log, as it is possible to lose inches (a bit exaggerating) without losing a lot of weight, before the actual weight comes off.

    This is great to know - thanks RGv2
  • jellab
    jellab Posts: 35
    They're called "noob gains". It's when you gain some muscle mass when you first begin weight training (or any exercise for that much) after a sedentary life style. It really isn't that much though.

    What you're probably seeing is with the weight lifting (without knowing what moderate is) you are maintaining the muscle mass you have while losing fat. If you're eating at a deficit you won't gain any more muscle than your noob gains.

    The other thing is, you're body is now retaining water for muscle repair post workout. This can also impair the scale from moving.

    The best thing to do is throw the scale out the window and use the Tape/Mirror test. Measure yourself, keep a log, as it is possible to lose inches (a bit exaggerating) without losing a lot of weight, before the actual weight comes off.

    THANK YOU!!!! Exactly what I was looking for. Great and helpful explanation. I didn't even think about water retention. I'm trying to move away from the scale, but as a woman it's so hard to let go!!! Back in the 80's it was all the rage. ;-)
  • jellab
    jellab Posts: 35
    First off, good job for wanting to get in shape. The scale is not a good judge of fat loss. Best bet is to try to keep track of your body fat percentage with calipers, and keep watching yourself in the mirror for improvement. Don't get hung up on scale weight as it's not really important. I'm not sure how long you've been working out, but it's more likely that your body is holding on to water, than it is that your fat loss is equaling your muscle gain. It is very difficult to increase muscle mass, especially as a woman, but it's all about how you feel, use the mirror as a judge, not the scale.

    Thanks for the response. Eventually I want to get rid of the scale, but as a woman it's a scary thing.... I've been working out (like really working out) for about 4 weeks now. How long does the water retention typically last? THANK YOU! :-)
  • jellab
    jellab Posts: 35
    This
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/adding-muscle-while-losing-fat-qa.html

    Helpful read :-) Thanks for posting!!
  • jellab
    jellab Posts: 35
    Not sure where the sarcasm comes from. I find most folks on MFP are real swell and nice and that's why I like it.
    personally, I like what you're doing and am doing it the same way. But i'm less concerned with my goal weight and more concerned with my body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage and such. you can buy a scale that measures both on Amazon and other body fat percentage estimators. Also, if you have begun to use Real Age.com, you might like it as well. I'm more focused on 'staying younger physiologically' than my weight. So I manage carbohydrates, not calories. that said, I work out and try to keep my muscle mass % the same or up and my body fat % going down. as it happens, I've lost weight, about 6 pounds, but like you, I mainly like that clothes fit better, my 'drop' has improved (chest size minus waist size) and resting pulse rate has dropped (to about 55) and pulse pressure has increased. I'd keep doing what you're doing until you look the way you want to look and then whatever weight you are at, that's your goal weight. hang in there.

    Thanks! For sure, MOST of the people are super nice here and the gals on my friend list are amazing, but I've noticed a few serial message board posters who are super rude and I just don't want that vibe. :-)

    Thanks for the info and supportive words. I really appreciate it. It's hard/fun work that feels great, but some measurable results are key too. Sounds like you're killin it! Great job!!
  • JDanKing
    JDanKing Posts: 13
    Simply put - when comparing VOLUME, muscle weighs 9x as much as fat does.

    So, you can lose 9 cubic inches of fat and build 1 cubic inch of muscle without a weight change on the scale.

    Obviously, you will still be losing body fat and inches off your measurements, so you will look (and probably feel) better in doing so.

    Even better, the muscle you build is more efficient at burning calories, so you will increase your metabolism at the same time, making future weight loss and maintenance easier.

    Congrats on taking the smart path to weight loss!
  • jellab
    jellab Posts: 35
    Simply put - when comparing VOLUME, muscle weighs 9x as much as fat does.

    So, you can lose 9 cubic inches of fat and build 1 cubic inch of muscle without a weight change on the scale.

    Obviously, you will still be losing body fat and inches off your measurements, so you will look (and probably feel) better in doing so.

    Even better, the muscle you build is more efficient at burning calories, so you will increase your metabolism at the same time, making future weight loss and maintenance easier.

    Congrats on taking the smart path to weight loss!

    Thanks!! :-)
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