| My Inner Hobbit Must DIE!
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This might sound silly but here goes. I did phase one religiously and didn’t lose a pound. I am on phase one edition two (I know). For the last three weeks I have been to the gym three times per week with intermittent Pilates (videos, 20 min). This week I have stepped the cardio up to 60 min…but generally here is how I am working out.
25 min walk to and from gym…moderate pace no hills
30-60 cardio on elliptical…
3-8 weight machines (dependant on mood and motivation)
Free weights.
I am a big person, I am 5’8 with a large frame. I come by my size genetically, every member of my family is big and by big they are not all fat. My sister is 6 ft and brother 6’2 both is fantastic shape. Accordingly, I can lift a lot of weight. I have been doing the least amount of weight with higher reps.
I still have not lost a pound (haven’t checked this week cause I am too annoyed). The only place I can see improvement is my butt. A friend (with a perfect body) suggested I up the cardio to 80 min…I am thinking, you’ve got to be kidding me?
The husband says I am building muscle which is counteracting the weight loss because muscle weighs more than fat. But I think that’s crap because I am doing so much cardio.
Thoughts, advice, suggestions… |
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Thu Oct 18, 2007 5:57 pm |
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| luvs_torun
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No.....
Reading your most recent posts concerning the " over eating of the nuts" and "problems with portion sizes", (the protein shakes may be adding extra calories as well)..... I am gonna venture a guess, the food is the problem. :wink:
I would work on that.
In three weeks you won't have gained any significant muscle mass... but you are certainly going in the right direction with your exercise (and that's a good thing as you say you are already noticing a change in your body.)
Women don't normally see the scales climb because of added muscle.
We just can't add that much.
IMO.... keep doing what you are doing "exercise-wise" and keep your eating "clean".
Good luck! |
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Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:27 pm |
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| lisaslosinit
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Don't stop the weights- It is a fantastic way of losing fat. Yes you might not drop pounds as quickly but take those measurements and you sill see great results if your food is right.
Lower weights with higher reps is great for building endurance and is definately the way to go. I love body pump classes for that reason although I need to lose a bit more weight before they don't kill me. :( I also have a large frame but a little shorter.
Some women can put on a lot of muscle but unless you are specifically training for it you won't ever look like a body builder.
Your exercise looks great. Maybe one more day of cardio only. |
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Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:31 am |
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| luvs_torun
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Quote: Some women can put on a lot of muscle
Any women that puts on "a lot of muscle" is probably taking anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone).
Women (under normal circumstances) just don't produce enough testosterone to gain large amounts of muscle mass.
Unfortunately, many women think weight training will cause them to look like women bodybuilders and leave this important physical activity out of their exercise regimen.
Also, here is a great thread and discussion we had about a year ago that dispel's the "lower weights, higher reps" theory...
(and lots of other really good information)
Lose Weight Like a Guy
http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=65949&start=0 |
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Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:56 am |
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| lisaslosinit
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luvs_torun
Please do not paraphase me when you quote- if you read my full sentence it is saying exactly what you said about women putting on muscle!
Quote: Also, here is a great thread and discussion we had about a year ago that dispel's the "lower weights, higher reps" theory...
(and lots of other really good information)
And with a quick google search I can find as many articles that say lift heavy few reps as that say lift moderate weight (ie lower) and higher reps. I don't think that any forum can "dispel' either theory. From what I see at the gym I go to the "steroid taking huge muscle" guys are the ones who lift heavy a few times and those that lift lower and higher reps have a leaner more appealing physique. Do you lift so you can be strong enough to lift a 40kg box once or do you want to be able to lift a 15kg box all day. I know what makes sense and has worked for me in the past.
I think it is a large judgement call to say that Quote: "Any women that puts on "a lot of muscle" is probably taking anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone). There is no absolutes in this world and SOME women DO have different hormone levels and body types and can put on "a lot of muscle" if they train, BUT as I said unless you train specifically to do this you will not look like a body builder. |
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Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:46 am |
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| luvs_torun
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(at the risk of thread drift.....)
I picked that particular line, and went on to explain how it would be possible for a women to gain large amounts of muscle mass.
I get many pm's about physical activity and different types of exercise. One common concern ( that bothers me) is that women are afraid of "bulking up" with strength training.... it just does not happen.
Strength training is extremely important .....(IMO not as much for weight loss or looking "lean and toned" but for good bone health, especially as we age.)
Many women are under the impression that if they lift X amount of weight, X number of times, X times a week.... they'll look like "those women on t.v."......
It won't happen.....
Hopefully you read the thread that I posted?
(and so we don't hijack Hobbit's thread, I'll bump it up... feel free to add to the discussion.) It is in the "South Beach Diet" section of the board.
It's truly a good discussion, with different theories, points of view, etc. |
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Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:16 pm |
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| Myrealana
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Back on topic, I whoeheartedly agree with luvs_torun.
Your exercise is not causing so much muscle that it's overwhelming your weight loss.
It's the liquid breakfast, the four chicken breasts a day and too many nuts, among other things.
I'd look to your menu primarily. Increase the veggies, and the variety, find a way to have a more substantial breakfast, and keep to the daily nut allowance. The fat/muscle trade off takes time. Over long periods, you may notice heavier muscle begin to take the place of less-dense fat, but in three weeks, it's not going to be a significant factor. |
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Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:30 pm |
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