30 Day Shred Question - final results after initial gain?
mewk
Posts: 13
Hi, I've been doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred (today is Day 9) and it turns out I'm one of the few whose body is experiencing a gain instead of a loss. So far, I've gained about 5 lbs (half of what I've managed to lose since beginning May), and I'm trying my hardest not to freak out and give up. Instead, I'm hoping that someone can give me some thoughts about their experiences.
In terms of measurements, they haven't budged much either way - with the exception of my legs, which got bigger. My calves are huge right now (they've gone up by almost 1.5 inch) and they're pretty hard - so are my thighs. My legs and hips have always been my problem areas, so I'm quite disheartened by the increase as they definitely don't need to be any larger.
I've read around and am well aware that some people go through an initial gain period. I also understand it's likely not muscle either, as muscles don't build this fast. It seems the general consensus on an initial weight gain is due to water retention in the muscles. I'm really really hoping this is the case, as it gives me hope that this additional weight will drop off eventually when my muscles get used to this.
I can't seem to find much info on the final result for those who did gain at first. Most have such fantastic results with the 30 Day Shred throughout, and the few who gained seemed to give up on the workout so I'm left wondering what the final verdict is for those who went through the same thing I'm going through after sticking it out to the end.
My questions are (if anyone can please please help me answer them):
1. Can water retention cause a noticeable increase in measurements? Could it be the reason my legs are bigger right now? How much can one really gain from just water retention?
2. For those of you who have experienced a gain doing the 30 Day Shred, how much did you gain initially and how long did it take for that to drop back off? And when/if it did finally drop off, did you lose any extra weight on top of that or were you right back to where you originally started? Or worse, are there any of you who never did manage to lose that initial weight gain at all throughout the program?
Please do excuse the lengthy post - I'm doing my best in not giving up, and with the scales climbing up and my legs getting huge, it's getting difficult! I love the workout and I like that it helps me get stronger and toned... but now I'm wondering if this is the right time for me to be doing this. Perhaps I should wait until I lose more weight before attempting this? The amount of weight I have to lose isn't much, so I'm well aware that it'll be difficult to lose them to begin with.
Some additional info that may help:
Age: 33
Height: 5'3"
SW: 140-141 lbs
CW: 132 lbs (I was approx. 127 lbs before starting Jillian)
GW: 115 lbs (dream weight: 110 lbs)
I don't keep my food diary here, as I was already previously using something else on my desktop computer to keep track. My calories intake varies day to day, but average out weekly to about 1200 per day and I've been eating healthier than I've ever been my entire life. Before 30 Day Shred, I was losing approximately 1 lb a week (not much, but I wanted to do it the healthy long-term way) so I know it isn't my diet that's causing me problems as I was doing just fine without 30 Day Shred.
In terms of exercise, I work out on average 4-5 days a week (until the start of 30 Day Shred, then it's been every day since). I do a variety of stuff, from walking, jogging, Leslie's WATP, Jackie Warner's power circuits, Zumba video, and intervals on the elliptical at the gym, so it's not like my body isn't used to some exercise. I drink more than the suggested amount of water every day, etc.
I'd really appreciate it if someone can shed some insight or share their experiences with me. If you did gain, what was your final result? I like and do want to build muscles, but I want to be smaller overall as well... not bigger. Please help!
In terms of measurements, they haven't budged much either way - with the exception of my legs, which got bigger. My calves are huge right now (they've gone up by almost 1.5 inch) and they're pretty hard - so are my thighs. My legs and hips have always been my problem areas, so I'm quite disheartened by the increase as they definitely don't need to be any larger.
I've read around and am well aware that some people go through an initial gain period. I also understand it's likely not muscle either, as muscles don't build this fast. It seems the general consensus on an initial weight gain is due to water retention in the muscles. I'm really really hoping this is the case, as it gives me hope that this additional weight will drop off eventually when my muscles get used to this.
I can't seem to find much info on the final result for those who did gain at first. Most have such fantastic results with the 30 Day Shred throughout, and the few who gained seemed to give up on the workout so I'm left wondering what the final verdict is for those who went through the same thing I'm going through after sticking it out to the end.
My questions are (if anyone can please please help me answer them):
1. Can water retention cause a noticeable increase in measurements? Could it be the reason my legs are bigger right now? How much can one really gain from just water retention?
2. For those of you who have experienced a gain doing the 30 Day Shred, how much did you gain initially and how long did it take for that to drop back off? And when/if it did finally drop off, did you lose any extra weight on top of that or were you right back to where you originally started? Or worse, are there any of you who never did manage to lose that initial weight gain at all throughout the program?
Please do excuse the lengthy post - I'm doing my best in not giving up, and with the scales climbing up and my legs getting huge, it's getting difficult! I love the workout and I like that it helps me get stronger and toned... but now I'm wondering if this is the right time for me to be doing this. Perhaps I should wait until I lose more weight before attempting this? The amount of weight I have to lose isn't much, so I'm well aware that it'll be difficult to lose them to begin with.
Some additional info that may help:
Age: 33
Height: 5'3"
SW: 140-141 lbs
CW: 132 lbs (I was approx. 127 lbs before starting Jillian)
GW: 115 lbs (dream weight: 110 lbs)
I don't keep my food diary here, as I was already previously using something else on my desktop computer to keep track. My calories intake varies day to day, but average out weekly to about 1200 per day and I've been eating healthier than I've ever been my entire life. Before 30 Day Shred, I was losing approximately 1 lb a week (not much, but I wanted to do it the healthy long-term way) so I know it isn't my diet that's causing me problems as I was doing just fine without 30 Day Shred.
In terms of exercise, I work out on average 4-5 days a week (until the start of 30 Day Shred, then it's been every day since). I do a variety of stuff, from walking, jogging, Leslie's WATP, Jackie Warner's power circuits, Zumba video, and intervals on the elliptical at the gym, so it's not like my body isn't used to some exercise. I drink more than the suggested amount of water every day, etc.
I'd really appreciate it if someone can shed some insight or share their experiences with me. If you did gain, what was your final result? I like and do want to build muscles, but I want to be smaller overall as well... not bigger. Please help!
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Replies
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I've done a few years ago and loved it. I never weighed myself at that time but I could definitely tell that it was working by just looking at my body and I also felt better. I have started again, today will be day 10. I did gain some weight at first (about 2 lbs) but honestly I think it was because I've been so bloated, especially in my hands, feet and stomach so Im attributing my weight gain to that. Ive since started a cleanse and do not feel so bloated so I am back down to my starting weight 134... so I dont think that you are alone. And as for the inches gain on your legs I would worry about that because it sounds like you are gaining muscle. This workout does do a lot of strength training. I wouldnt worry so much yet about the amount of weight you have gained but instead look in the mirror... can you see yourself getting stronger? I would focus more on the positive changes you can see. Also, if you dont already, get a scale that measures body fat, Im sure you will see a reduction... Im already down 1% but havent loss a significant amount of inches yet.0
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Thanks colleenali, for the reply on your experience with this. When I first started gaining, I thought it may have been bloat as well... but then it just kept climbing. I'm drinking tons of water, green tea, and some sugar free cranberry juice, etc... hoping to flush something out, but it hasn't helped the weight drop any, so I started getting more and more worried even though I keep telling myself not to be. I guess it's just really difficult seeing hard-earned weight loss shoot right back up in just a little over a week.
Honestly, I'm dubious about the gained inches on my legs being muscles as I thought muscles are supposed to be rather hard to build - and especially not this fast? Looking in the mirror, I'm not seeing any significant changes yet... but I definitely feel stronger - which is a big plus. I just wish it didn't come with a weight/inches gain scare! I'm going to be maid of honor in 2 months for a high school sweetheart wedding (which means a reunion of its own), so I do have a time limit of some sort (at least temporarily). Of course I plan to continue with my eating and fitness plans post-wedding as well, since it's a long-term deal for me.
I do have a Tanita scale that measures body fat. It hasn't shifted since I started the 30 Day Shred. I had lost 2% since May, and the loss has remained the same even with my 5 lb gain, so this is actually my one sole comfort in this whole thing.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to reply. I plan to keep going... I just can't help being afraid that it might backfire on me somehow.
If anyone else has any experience with this, please please do share. Thank you so much!0 -
I just posted a similar question on another 30DS thread. I haven't gained but the scale hasn't moved and I am on day 8. I was losing very consistently prior to starting JM. I feel your worry!!0
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Thanks JWeaser - I hope you got some good answers for your question. Take comfort that you aren't gaining at least! Perhaps you can try taking measurements instead, as that seems to be the suggested route for most people I see talking about the 30 Day Shred. That might be helpful for you in figuring out if you've lost anything. For me, unfortunately, it hasn't.0
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I totally feel your pain - I've been there in the past and am here again now after starting Ripped in 30 a few days ago. I did P90x last summer and for the first several weeks grew very worried as I watched the numbers on the scale climb. In reading online, I found what's been said above - that the body will retain water during the start of a new workout routine, especially one that's intense. It can be really frustrating, especially when you've started a workout regimen with weight loss in mind.
A couple of things I've learned:
* working out during the summer months: even if you're working out inside, it's so blasted HOT right now in most places that it's next to impossible not retain some water weight. Avoiding caffeine, drinking lots of water, and eating foods like parsley, watermelon and asparagus have helped me curb the bloating/water retention. It's been said but is worth repeating that dehydration can often be the culprit for water retention, so chugging away on a water bottle all day can really help. I'd avoid water pills because in my experience, it just creates a water retention cycle and doesn't accomplish anything long-term.
* take a picture of yourself before starting your program, then take regular updated shots at markers of a few weeks or months. It can be easy to grow frustrated when the scale says you're not making progress, but if you can look at a picture and see added muscle definition and toning, it helps stay on track.
* be careful not to eat too little. If you're following a calorie-restrictive diet along with launching a workout regimen, your body might start to panic and hold onto the calories it's getting. Check some fitness sites and articles to compare calorie recommendations to make sure you're not undereating.
As frustrating as it is, your options are to 1) quit the workout that's caused you to see a spike on the scale and delay the positive benefits to come or 2) stick with it knowing that the exercise is good for you and that with time you will inevitably see positive changes. To me, it's a no-brainer - might as well stick with it - even if it's tough-going at first, you at least have the satisfaction of knowing that you're taking action and steps to feeling and looking better. Hang in there!0
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