Hard fat! When is it replaced with lean muscle??

mimi337
mimi337 Posts: 107 Member
edited November 9 in Social Groups
I posted this first in the stronglifts 5x5 group but I read everything in this group too so I'm posting here as well.

Okay so it's only been a month of three times a week SL 5x5 but I feel bigger than ever and it's a bummer. My calories are at my TDEE, 1484 with maybe a bit more olive oil sometimes than I should but my diet is very clean (and delish) with no cheats or anything. I just feel like I've got muscley-fat instead of lean muscles. What do you think? I've added a 30 mins cardio twice a week but gosh, it's discouraging to feel bigger instead of leaner. Did any of you go through this at the beginning stages of weight training? I'd love some encouragement. I keep telling myself that I just have to plod along with all my might no matter what but I'd love just a tiny win! ps, no I'm not weighing myself I'm using tape measure and clothes. Nothing's budging...I think I can hear sidesteel and sara asking me what my macros are...don't be mad, not using the macros, just calories and portion control. I look forward from hearing from someone about this. Thank you in advance, Mimi

Replies

  • Pmagnanifit
    Pmagnanifit Posts: 665 Member
    One month is a short time to see results -- keep going-
  • mimi337
    mimi337 Posts: 107 Member
    Of course, I guess it's just a cry for encouragement. Stats are: age 50, height 5'2, weight 155, measurements 41, 34, 41.5. TDEE is like 1800 but fat loss is 1485 so trying to keep there. Two years ago I was 130 lbs, 35, 29, 34 and I felt great and looked great. I guess being 48 yrs old and 50 years old makes a big difference? Anyway, I'll keep going. I love the 5x5 program but I'm not in it to get strong so much as to lose inches and fit into all my old clothes and look good naked. Thanks for responding.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    Hi Mimi,

    Is there a reason you are not weighing yourself?

    I assume you are not using a food scale but I'll let you confirm that one.

    Are you opposed to tracking macros as well as calories?

    Prior to beginning stronglifts what form of exercise, if any, were you doing?
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    unless you are doing some serious endurance cardio, you aren't getting fatty muscle.

    Different muscle in different spots will have different amounts of fat in it.

    Only way to get lean muscle is at the butcher when you ask for it.

    Perhaps you mean fat OVER the muscle.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    In addition to SideSteel's questions, how accurately are you logging? Can you open your diary.

    Thanks
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