Working out for a month so why are my skirts even tighter??

Every time I start a new workout program I gain a few pounds first. I think it's partly due to rebuilding deconditioned muscles before the fat actually starts shrinking, and maybe water retention.

Also, when you work out, you might eat more - either mentally justifying "deserving" extra, or because you truly create a deficit and are hungrier. Most people don't realize how few calories exercise actually burns compared to how easy it is to eat it all back (and then some!).

I would strongly suggest tracking your food. It can really surprise you how all the little things add up.

Maybe it's just the wrong week of the month to be trying on your skirts? I get serious bloating and water weight (about 7 lbs) the week before my period. I've learned to just stay off of the scale and not try on new clothes that week:)

^this or can be genetically predisposed for leg growth

Hang in there! It's not an exact science. You will find what works for you.

Do you feel yourself gaining strength and stamina? A couple winters ago, I was getting discouraged, too, after working out really hard every day. Then one day, I was at the hardware store and put a 40lb bag of salt (ice-melt) in my cart with no effort. I was so surprised and excited! That's called an NSV - non-scale victory.

Up your water intake, and track your food. Be honest with yourself, even log the weekends and any alcohol. If you want to make your diary public, a lot of folks on here are willing to review and give nutritional advice. If you don't want to do that though, you don't have to.

I think I have identified your problem!!

You have limited treats to one a day - Try limiting to one a month! and seriously knuckling down and burn some serious calories. This will ensure you loose weight..start the bar high, and then notch it down when you are getting lighter and maintain..

Track your food & calories, as it is surprising how much calories you eat, even when thinking you are cutting back,

It takes a good few months to really shake the pounds, however water loss at the early stage is pretty common, and you should have lost a bit?

Ask yourself this question...are you really pushing yourself?

Strength training will help lose inches as it compacts the muscles. Calorie deficit is the only way to lose fat, though. Cardio burns more calories.

If you want the most bang for your buck, interval training (HIIT) is fantastic because it combines cardio and strength. My best results have been from interval training like Jillian Michaels' videos. I also have really good success with Zumba (and other dancing) because dance is basically lunges, calf raises, and core exercises set to a beat (but much more fun!)

However, exercise alone won't usually drop the weight. Diet is very, very important. Personally, my biggest difficulty is with the food, but once I started tracking every little thing, it helped me learn to plan my meals and even helped keep snacking in check (Can I afford these donut calories with what I've done and eaten today? What if I just eat half?)

If you have the MFP app on your phone or ipod, it makes it easier.

I think I have identified your problem!!

You have limited treats to one a day - Try limiting to one a month! and seriously knuckling down and burn some serious calories. This will ensure you loose weight..start the bar high, and then notch it down when you are getting lighter and maintain..

Track your food & calories, as it is surprising how much calories you eat, even when thinking you are cutting back,

It takes a good few months to really shake the pounds, however water loss at the early stage is pretty common, and you should have lost a bit?

Ask yourself this question...are you really pushing yourself?

Good advice, although I disagree that you have to cut yourself down to treats once a month. As long as it fits in my calories, I'll have treats every day (and sometimes multiple times a day!). One doesn't have to eat chicken breast and kale exclusively to lose weight and be in good shape.