Not losing weight but building muscle!?!?!

kemmie526
kemmie526 Posts: 2
edited November 11 in Fitness and Exercise
Could that saying be true in my case? I'm 5'6" and weight 140 lbs. I have been doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred for 22 days now. I'm currently on level 3, using 5 pound weights. I sweat like crazy during the workout and have myself on a 1200-1300 calorie/day diet, but I've not lost a single pound!! I have lost about 3.5 inches overall, though. I'm just surprised that I've not lost any weight. Could it be because I'm building muscle? I can definitely see new definition in my abs and biceps....but still just disappointed that I don't have any weight loss to show for it!

Replies

  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    It's doubtful, tbh it's most likely water. When you strength train your body retains water to help repair the muscles, possibly causing a stall in weight loss. The good thing is you're losing inches though, well done!! :)

    On a deficit, especially one as low as 1200-1300 it's not really possible for anyone to gain muscle. The exceptions to this are:
    1) Those new to lifting
    2) Those returning to lifting after a long period of time.
    3) Those who are obese.
    Even then, it's not going to be much at all, not enough to offset any fat loss which you've likely had while doing the 30 day shred.

    People out to gain muscle usually eat at a surplus and consistently lift heavy over a longer period of time than that.

    Give it time, and I'm sure the weight will come off soon :)
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    What Heidi said. You're losing inches, so you're losing fat. It's really hard to actually build muscle, and darn near impossible at a calorie deficit. Give it time and the pounds will follow.
  • kemmie526
    kemmie526 Posts: 2
    Well, that actually makes me feel better! I hadn't thought about retaining water! I was getting worried that all my hard work was going to be for nothing!! I'm more interested in losing pounds than gaining muscle. I'm definitely getting toned, though! So hopefully when I get done with the 30 days and take a few days break, the pounds will come off ;)
  • mccannjess
    mccannjess Posts: 2
    Your doing great Karen, don't get discouraged!!! You will shrink, even tho you may not see it on the scales.
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