WTF? You input is appriciated!

berlin80210
berlin80210 Posts: 59 Member
edited September 19 in Motivation and Support
So, I started MFP about two weeks ago and i love it! Can say enough good things. I started MFP about 6 weeks into a new running program and the help of visually seeing my progress is wonderful!

What I'm having trouble with is that I can see and feel a difference in my body's strength, shape and fitness level, but I see no change on the scale (in fact I've GAINED 2 pounds!) and I've gained inches on my thighs and mid section! I don't understand how this is possible?!

My fiance and I run an average of 4 miles 3 times per week and stick to our recommended caloric intake. I'll event run to burn off the extra calories if I go over. I cannot comprehend how this is happening! The only meds I take regularly is Yaz (birth control) and I didn't gain weight on it when I started it 6 months ago.

I know it's possible to gain muscle while losing fat and muscle weighs more, but shouldn't I be losing something pound-wise!?! Why would I gain inches on my waist too? My fiance's lost 10 pounds!!!

WTF?!?!

Replies

  • chgudnitz
    chgudnitz Posts: 4,079
    Well, let's start with the congrats on even starting a program. That's the step that so many people can't get by in the first place.

    Now to you... You didn't say how much you have to lose, if any. The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress. If you don't have a lot to lose, this could also be the reason for the incremental increase on the scale.

    If you want to put out some information on your stats, then I (and others I am sure) would be more than happy to help. :drinker:
  • slimmingmom
    slimmingmom Posts: 297
    Your working hard girl....you need to remember that muscle weighs more than fat!!! If you're feeling a difference then you are doing an awsome job! Don't let the numbers on the scale mess with your mind!!! Keep up the good work, I wish I had as much dedication as you to run that much :happy:
  • swishpete
    swishpete Posts: 15
    So, I started MFP about two weeks ago and i love it! Can say enough good things. I started MFP about 6 weeks into a new running program and the help of visually seeing my progress is wonderful!

    What I'm having trouble with is that I can see and feel a difference in my body's strength, shape and fitness level, but I see no change on the scale (in fact I've GAINED 2 pounds!) and I've gained inches on my thighs and mid section! I don't understand how this is possible?!

    My fiance and I run an average of 4 miles 3 times per week and stick to our recommended caloric intake. I'll event run to burn off the extra calories if I go over. I cannot comprehend how this is happening! The only meds I take regularly is Yaz (birth control) and I didn't gain weight on it when I started it 6 months ago.

    I know it's possible to gain muscle while losing fat and muscle weighs more, but shouldn't I be losing something pound-wise!?! Why would I gain inches on my waist too? My fiance's lost 10 pounds!!!

    WTF?!?!


    I just want to say that I completely sympathize as I am in the same boat also!
  • AwMyLoLo
    AwMyLoLo Posts: 1,571 Member


    The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress.

    I havent heard this before... I have been running and my legs, thighs and butt look much better than they used to, but the tape measurer is telling me they are bigger! You didn't mention that once your body gets used to the stress, it won't retain the water and I will lose the inches in those areas???
  • hiddensecant
    hiddensecant Posts: 2,446 Member
    Are you drinking enough water?

    If you're taking any supplements, be sure you're not taking anything with creatine in it ... that can really make you swell up.
  • chgudnitz
    chgudnitz Posts: 4,079


    The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress.

    I havent heard this before... I have been running and my legs, thighs and butt look much better than they used to, but the tape measurer is telling me they are bigger! You didn't mention that once your body gets used to the stress, it won't retain the water and I will lose the inches in those areas???

    Yes it will. Once your body gets stronger in those areas it won't seem like stress to them and it will release the stores.
  • AwMyLoLo
    AwMyLoLo Posts: 1,571 Member


    The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress.

    I havent heard this before... I have been running and my legs, thighs and butt look much better than they used to, but the tape measurer is telling me they are bigger! You didn't mention that once your body gets used to the stress, it won't retain the water and I will lose the inches in those areas???

    Yes it will. Once your body gets stronger in those areas it won't seem like stress to them and it will release the stores.

    Woo Hoo!:smooched:
  • swishpete
    swishpete Posts: 15


    The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress.

    I havent heard this before... I have been running and my legs, thighs and butt look much better than they used to, but the tape measurer is telling me they are bigger! You didn't mention that once your body gets used to the stress, it won't retain the water and I will lose the inches in those areas???

    Yes it will. Once your body gets stronger in those areas it won't seem like stress to them and it will release the stores.

    I haven't either but then again I have only been running for about a month or more. Thanks for info! Now I have something to keep me going!
  • berlin80210
    berlin80210 Posts: 59 Member
    Thanks everyone! This is good news to use :-) I have about 22 pounds to lose, but I can say my butt is a bit higher than it used to be and my thighs are a bit more toned - I guess the inches and weight gain are what's throwing me. It would be nice to see a change on the scale too (albeit in a different direction).

    I'll keep this all in mind and keep doin what I'm doin. Thanks everyone for letting me vent!

    Loves~
  • ivykivy
    ivykivy Posts: 2,970 Member
    I started running and gained 5 pounds!. It took a couple of weeks but I lost the five plus 2 more


    The inches on your thighs and mid section are probably related to the stress running causes on your thighs and core area, whereby causing the muscles to retain water in their efforts to heal and protect from later stress.

    I havent heard this before... I have been running and my legs, thighs and butt look much better than they used to, but the tape measurer is telling me they are bigger! You didn't mention that once your body gets used to the stress, it won't retain the water and I will lose the inches in those areas???

    Yes it will. Once your body gets stronger in those areas it won't seem like stress to them and it will release the stores.

    Woo Hoo!:smooched:
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