Exercise and weight GAIN

[despero]

I've been excercising - cardio + weight training - since the beginning of Sept. I've been watching calories, trying to create a deficit, and I get on the scale and I've GAINED WEIGHT!!! Now, I know the whole muscle weighs more than fat dealio, but come on!!! I thought I'd at least lose something! I don't know what I'm doing wrong, and it is soooooo disheartening to bust my butt, only to see the numbers go UP and not down. I truly try not to rely on the scale, but it's so hard to get away from. I don't even feel as tho my clothes are fitting any differently either, which if they did, I wouldn't feel as bad about the weight gain. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I can't even say I've hit a plateau, cuz I haven't gone anywhere! I have thought about hiring a personal trainer, but with the hubby out of work right now, it's just not an option.
I don't want to quit, but it's hard to stay motivated when after almost a month, I'm not seeing any results. Any advice?

[Hopeless Dork]

When you first begin exercising, especially if you have been taking it easy and being sort of sedentary... you're likely to gain a few pounds at first. This is due to water retention cushioning the joints -- getting use to all the activity, a little swelling around the muscles etc. Once your body gets use to working out -- keep that dieting up those pounds will shed. Stick to weighing yourself weekly at the same time, never daily when you are actively trying to lose weight as it can be frustrating to see all the fluctuation the body does on a daily basis!

[despero]

Hopeless... Thank you!!! I did not know that's how it worked!! Learn somethin new everyday! But it does make sense. Boy, that really does make me feel better.

I try not weigh myself everyday. I'm trying to do it about once a week, always in the morning. I resorted to measuring myself over the scale. I do that about the same time. I figure if the number on the scale doesn't move, but my inches go down, then I'm doing good.

It is funny if I weigh myself at night, then again in the morning, I've seen a 5 pound difference!!

[Kallygirlie]

I agree with HD. Although, i wouldnt weigh myself every week. I found once a week frustrated me. If you do every 2 weeks, you get motivated by the bigger numbers. Plus add measurement. Measure your bust, waist, hips and thighs. When the scale isn't being very nice to you, chances are the measuring tape will. I lost about 3 inches in my waist before I lost a single lb a few yrs ago.

[LanaBear]

It is funny if I weigh myself at night, then again in the morning, I've seen a 5 pound difference!!

LOL - I don't know if others would agree with me, but I NEVER weigh myself at night. I only ever weigh myself first thing in the morning. Literally get out of bed, use the bathroom and weigh.

[Kallygirlie]

I forget what it is that does this but your weight is ALWAYS lower in the morning. I guess at night you've done eatin and drank it just makes you heavier. I also learned dont weigh yourself after a shower or bath, your body absorbs the water. I have gotten out of the shower and gained about 3 lbs after drying off. LOL

[jaygirlweek96]

Lol. They have given you all d advice! Lol. Watch your diet too! Watch what you eat. Do u count calories? U might not know how much u r actually eating.

[OhThereYouAre]

Give it some more time. HD is right, as your body adjusts to your new routine, you can retain water and start putting on muscle.

Keep at it. It's only been 3 weeks.

Throw that damm scale away! It's not your friend, it's your source of frustration. How you feel and how your clothes fit are better indicators of your progress.

If you don't notice anything in another 3 weeks, post up your routine and what you are eating. If you are honest, I will be able to tell you what to change in order to see better results.

[despero]

I know...the scale is my enemy!!! But its so hard to get away from when its been instilled that how much you weigh is the "big thing". I'm trying very hard tho....

I am watching my calories, trying to keep them right around 1500. Thanks for all the info. I'm going to keep up my workouts, and hope I start seeing some results soon. I'm waiting for that day when my jeans aren't so tight anymore!!!! That, and when I can fit into all my old medium and small shirts without looking like a stuffed sausage!

I think I'll stick to measuring myself, and tell my hubby to put the scale somewhere I won't be tempted to step on.