How does this happen?! ARGH!!

KittyO8
KittyO8 Posts: 24
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
How do I lose 2 lbs of muscle when I've been lifting weights 3 times a week...I just don't get it so frustrated!!

Here are my stats

Date Weight Total Body Water Fat Weight Fat Free Mass Fat %

1/20/11 179.4 80.8 69.0 110.4 38.5%
2/9/11 180.0 84.4 64.8 115.2 36%
2/16/11 177.0 80.6 66.8 110.2 37.7%

Suggestions/input?

Replies

  • KittyO8
    KittyO8 Posts: 24
    reposting with dashes since the last one is kind of jumbled....hope this comes out better....

    Date - Weight - Total Body Water - Fat Weight - Fat Free Mass - Fat %

    1/20/11 - 179.4 - 80.8 - 69.0 - 110.4 - 38.5%
    2/9/11 - 180.0 - 84.4 - 64.8 - 115.2 - 36%
    2/16/11 - 177.0 - 80.6 - 66.8 - 110.2 - 37.7%

    -
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    How was this data collected? Was the test repeated (multiple times)? No test is exact, there is some standard of error. My guess is that all of your stats are smaller than that standard of error, so you can't really tell what is happening. Keep at it, give it time, and you will reach your goal.

    My guess is that the second set of data is incorrect (high). Just like weighing every day, I'm guessing you need more time between tests to see clearer results.
  • KittyO8
    KittyO8 Posts: 24
    They were taken on the same scale at my gym I go to. I step on the scale and it throws everything into the computer. I'm happy my weight is down but afraid that I'm losing the wrong type of weight such as muscle than actual fat.
  • Trovan
    Trovan Posts: 133 Member
    Did you use one of those doo-hickies that looks like a video game controller for these percentages and numbers? I think those run on voodoo magic and can't be trusted.
  • KittyO8
    KittyO8 Posts: 24
    it's a scale I step on. Shoes and shocks have to be off.
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    it's a scale I step on. Shoes and shocks have to be off.

    They work the same way. Next time you are in there, ask them for the machine's standard error. I bet it's at least 5%, which puts the changes you see well within those bounds.
  • gazbo1986
    gazbo1986 Posts: 52
    don't worry about the scales, just go off what you see in the mirror, especially when you're talking about a miniscule change of 2lbs, i lose that much weight when i go to the bathroom.
  • Trovan
    Trovan Posts: 133 Member
    Sounds like a breeding ground for athlete's foot.


    Sorry, I'll stop mucking around in your thread.
  • significance
    significance Posts: 436 Member
    Those scales are very inaccurate: at best accurate to within about 20%. So the changes you've see aren't real.
  • xarrium
    xarrium Posts: 432 Member
    BIA scales are useless as far as accuracy goes--they measure water and calculate fat/fat-free mass from how much water it thinks you have in your system. Just for fun, try drinking a bottle of Gatorade and step on the scale--because the electrolytes help conduct the small electrical charge through your body, the scale will think there's more water in your body than there is, which will screw with your percentages.
  • KittyO8
    KittyO8 Posts: 24
    Thanks everyone!! and yeah athlete's foot! YUCK! I think I'll go scrub my feet now! haha

    I'm just trying so hard to be good and healthy that I freaked slightly especially since I looked in the mirror right before thought I seen a change and then those stupid numbers came up and I thought I wasn't quite catching on to something.

    haha I love the gatorade idea!!

    I think I'll breath again and get over the numbers =)
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