So I’ve been shredding it up with Jillian pretty consistently for a couple weeks now. Yesterday and today I even got up in the wee hours before the girls were up to exercise. (Go me.) Not easy when you’re still getting up 2 times a night to feed a cute little monkey. But here’s my issue…it seems like I’m gaining weight right now. I’m getting a little bulkier, my pants are fitting tighter and well I know I’m not imagining it. And I’m eating about the same as well. So dear readers, especially you exercise science majors, can you explain this phenomenon? Is it normal to gain weight first when starting a new exercise regime? The program involves both cardio and strength training, so I’m definitely getting both. Do I need to drink more water? Eat less salt? Please, share your wisdom.
(And let’s not take this into any body image lecture territory please….I’m fine with my overall body and it’s weight, but when I start a new exercise program I don’t want to get bigger….that’s all.)
I like this….maybe I’ll reserve Fridays for questions for my readers and let you solve all of my life’s problems.
Have a great weekend.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1914857,00.html
I read this article in a doctors office last year and it made sense to me. I have run one marathon, but even with training hours a week I didn't lose weight. (and I ran it weighing quite a bit more than my ideal weight)
When you start a new workout your body can freak out a little and go through a starvation mode and hold onto every calorie. Just stick with it and you'll start to see a difference. Everyone is different so this period varies from person to person. Good luck! Randy and I are P90ing….again!
I agree with Crystal. Just keep at it. It might take a couple of weeks to adjust, but your body will eventually.
I hate to say this next part, but sleep has everything to do with your weight as exercise and diet do. I don't know how you can gain more sleep, but you'll most likely have better results with more sleep.
Continue to drink more water, and whatever you do, be sure to eat every 3 hours. It doesn't need to be actual meals, but just some sort of something every 3 hours. Don't ever let yourself get famished, or your body WILL hold onto every little calorie you eat after that "starving" feeling. Of course, be sure to eat quality foods that you can burn while exercising. Again, if your body feels starved, it will hold onto every little bit of fat you eat.
I feel the most important thing is to just "feel" what your body wants/needs. If you don't have the energy to "shred" one day, do something more mild, even if it's walking or yoga. Listen to your body, and you can't go wrong 🙂 Well, except when your body is wanting all sorts of junk-food…then you probably shouldn't listen! Ha ha 🙂
Oh man. I've noticed this too, that when I'm exercising more I feel a bit thicker. I always thought it was because I was eating more to replace the burned (burnt? haha) calories. Great question and responses so far, can't wait to read more.
I like what Adrie said. Ease into it and listen to your body. If it hurts, you are probably overdoing it. If you're hungry, eat a healthy snack or meal. And drink tons of water (esp. if you are nursing! I had to drink 16 glasses of water a day when I was at the peak of nursing because I was also exercising and I always felt thirsty!) Over time, extra bulk may just be muscle building up (but I doubt that would happen super quick at the first!) I have no idea why you'd be bulking up right after starting to exercise…are you bloated? 🙂
I agree with all the above but definitely do a pregnancy tart just in case…sometimes you could be pregnant and not even know it!
Oh boy…
Anon #1: I think I too read that article and while I know what you eat is as big of an indicator, I don't think I'm eating more…but at the same time, maybe I am eating even just a little more and it's making a difference. Anyway, good article I'll read again.
Crystal, Adrie and Rachel–good points. I definitely will keep up and I also try to listen to my body. (Especially and unfortunately when it tells me to eat sweets). Anyway, good advice all around. So thanks.
Deb–yeah…like I said above, maybe I am eating more to compensate and just not noticing. The annoying part is that my body is definitely responding differently than it used to. In my 20's I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted and as long as I went running 3-4 times a week I was good. In general I would see almost immediate results in one way or another from any increase in exercise. So it's sorta frustrating to see this change in my 30's…this isn't the first time I've come across this strange phenom. either. So I'm just trying to understand/work with it.
Anon #2… Yeah I'd be anonymous too if I had made this comment to a woman with a 6 month old baby. Oh boy…let's just say ummmmm no. I'm not pregnant. You're just going to have to take my word for it.
I may follow suit and have my readers solve my life's problems. Love it.
I have no advice on this. All I know is that once I stopped obsessing about exercising and started eating whatever my body told me to (and super regularly) I lost weight. A lot of weight. I swear, the more I eat, the more weight I lose. (don't punch me).
Listen to your "food voice". And strength training is the bomb. Yes, I was a dancer and gymnast and I've run some triathalons and one half-marathon, but I just think everyone's body is so different that I've stopped trying to guess what works (except eating a lot…what?) And once you stop breast feeding (if you are) you'll lost ten more pounds in about two weeks flat.
You rock my world. (I'm in a silly mood tonight and I'm just going with it)
Hi there. I found your blog thru Reagan's and I think you are darling, so I continue to read your stuff. 🙂 And I just wanted to say, don't give up! I went thru this battle and the first 2 months were hard, I wanted to give up when the pounds weren't just dripping off my body. But seriously, after the first hill you will start to lose those pounds. Trust me, 6 months later and 25 pounds lighter, I love exercising. 🙂 Good luck!
Hi, I found your blog through LGN months ago, but you're a bit of an inspiration. 🙂
If you are doing strength training, your muscles will be bulking up as they freak out like someone said, but they also bulk up because they are getting stronger. If you haven't quite lost the fat yet, they may take up a bit more space. I may just take time to really tone down. Keep at it!
My body does the same thing, so you aren't alone!