fitness related: are my expectations unrealistic?

[Deleted]

I've been working out with the trainer 3x a week for about 4.5 weeks now and then going to the gym for either my own work out or a class 1x a week, for a total of 4 workouts a week. 

I'm religious in tracking my calories and I'm doing pretty well in staying within my allotted calories. 

I haven't had any alcohol in over a month. 

I've only lost 1 pound and I swear my clothes don't fit any better. I thought that by now something would be happening, but I don't feel like anything is actually happening. 

I did raise my concerns with my trainer, but he said it could take up to 8 weeks to really see results. By that point, if I don't get results it will be too late for me to lose what I want before Jamaica. He also told me to stop getting on the scale because the number doesn't mean as much. I know this is super vain, but the number means a lot to me. 

Am I being unrealistic in my progress or did I just waste a whole bunch of money? 

[monsterz]

Are you taking other measurements to see if inches are coming off or just using the scale. I hate the scale I find it sometimes doesn't drop but the number of inches in various areas have.

[Deleted]

Aug 21, 2014 9:39:06 GMT -5 monsterz said:

Are you taking other measurements to see if inches are coming off or just using the scale. I hate the scale I find it sometimes doesn't drop but the number of inches in various areas have.

I didn't take any other measurements when I started.  

[monsterz]

Aug 21, 2014 9:40:46 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Aug 21, 2014 9:39:06 GMT -5 monsterz said:

Are you taking other measurements to see if inches are coming off or just using the scale. I hate the scale I find it sometimes doesn't drop but the number of inches in various areas have.

I didn't take any other measurements when I started.  

I would start doing that.  I  am surprised your trainer didn't either.  Every trainer I have worked with has taken measurements at the beginning.  

[mrslefty]

Personally I'd add another workout per week and possibly up my calories, not by much, but by like 100-200 calories. Before I got ktfu I lost about 35 lbs and I noticed if I ate too few calories I didn't lose weight.
Did you measure yourself before?

[mrslefty]

Or what monsterz said.

[larzhope]

I think you are being unrealistic, I'm sorry. You are not heavy, UW, so it is going to take you longer to notice changes in your body than someone who is really over weight. You also need to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so that number on the scale probably isn't going to go down unless you have a lot of fat to lose.

Trust in the process, and use the next month to get everything you can out of training - how to push yourself, how to build a workout plan, so this is something you can continue beyond Jamaica. But, if you were expecting a 6 pack before you go, I would adjust your expectations.

Hugs. I know how frustrating it is to not get the results you thought you would. Even when I was in prime marathon shape, H told me "yeah, you look no different whatsoever"

[mkate710]

*hugs*

Bodies and hormones are jacked up things. I started losing weight last December. Took 6 weeks to lose two pounds. As I've continued, the losses have spiked and flatlined at different times. Its taken since December to hit 20 pounds lost, and the last 3-4 weeks i haven't lost anything more.

I love MFP to death and think its a really useful tool, but i hit the complete this entry button and it says "if every day were like today, you'd weigh x pounds in 5 weeks". It conditions me to think i can just do x and get y results. But my body is a bitch about sometimes holding onto excess weight and sometimes letting it go away and its not that clear cut.

I don't think you are wasting your money. At the end of the 8 weeks you will be stronger, healthier and in better shape, regardless of scale numbers. I know its really frustrating. I did not look the way i wanted to for our Vegas trip, but i knew i had worked hard and was in decent shape. I kept telling myself I am the only one who notices.

I say stick with it. You may be really surprised with a good number soon. If nothing else, you're taking care of yourself.

[Deleted]

Ok, I'll go look for a measuring tape tonight and start measuring from now.

And, mrslefty, you're probably right that I should add in 1 more work out. Also, my dude started me on 1600 calories a day and now has me down to 1350.

[Deleted]

Aug 21, 2014 9:47:39 GMT -5 larzhope said:

I think you are being unrealistic, I'm sorry. You are not heavy, UW, so it is going to take you longer to notice changes in your body than someone who is really over weight. You also need to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so that number on the scale probably isn't going to go down unless you have a lot of fat to lose.

Trust in the process, and use the next month to get everything you can out of training - how to push yourself, how to build a workout plan, so this is something you can continue beyond Jamaica. But, if you were expecting a 6 pack before you go, I would adjust your expectations.

Hugs. I know how frustrating it is to not get the results you thought you would. Even when I was in prime marathon shape, H told me "yeah, you look no different whatsoever"

Ugh, you said exactly what my H said too. 

I definitely wasn't expecting a 6 pack, but I was expecting to lose my muffin tops and be able to fit into my skinny jeans again. 

And I think mkate710 got my freak out completely right. I feel like if MFP says if you do x then you'll weigh y in 5 weeks and I am doing that, then why am I not getting those results. 

I just really feel like a failure right now. 

/pity party for 1 

Thanks for understanding guys. 

[larzhope]

hate to break it to you, but love handles are typically the last thing to go. I have ridiculous muffin top, so I totally feel your pain!

[Deleted]

Aug 21, 2014 10:00:50 GMT -5 larzhope said:

hate to break it to you, but love handles are typically the last thing to go. I have ridiculous muffin top, so I totally feel your pain!

[larzhope]

also, I found this really interesting:

www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/931670-bmr-and-tdee-explained-for-those-needing-a-guide

I think calorie trackers really lose part of it, and found this article really helpful.

[MrsPotatohead]

Aug 21, 2014 9:58:18 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

I definitely wasn't expecting a 6 pack, but I was expecting to lose my muffin tops and be able to fit into my skinny jeans again. 

I think it took me several months to notice a difference in my stomach (the main thing I wanted to tone), I can now see my abs a little!  It's not a six pack, but the outline is there   I only do 2-3x a week (and none right now, grrr, because H has to work early for 2 weeks), but barre is pretty core-centric IMO.

ETA: so I think it will happen, but it might take a while (also, did you tell him that was what you wanted to focus on?)

[Deleted]

Barre work outs are the best! I really wish I had one close to me.

I did tell him what I'm trying to achieve and he keeps saying wait till weeks 4-8 and beyond.

This all might be stemming from my hangriness and general bad mood too. 

[mrslefty]

Aug 21, 2014 9:52:44 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Ok, I'll go look for a measuring tape tonight and start measuring from now.

And, mrslefty, you're probably right that I should add in 1 more work out. Also, my dude started me on 1600 calories a day and now has me down to 1350.

1350 seems kinda low of your working out. But I'm not an expert

[larzhope]

^^ i agree with this. I used the calculation in the link I posted above and found it to be pretty spot on for days that I worked out vs days that I didn't.

[Deleted]

I used the calculator and it says I need 1332 to stay alive, 1520 for sedentary days and 1742 for lightly active days.

My only problem with eating 1600+ cals a day is that I feel too full and gross. Like all day, but 1350 and I'm ready to eat my arm.

I need a balance somewhere between there. Maybe I should talk to him again.

[mkate710]

You. Are. Not. A. Failure.

If you want to try upping your calories, chat with your trainer about what kinds of nutrient and calorie-dense foods to add in. When I have a gap in calories, something like am avocado helps a lot.

But seriously, no failure talk. Not allowed.

[ilovebed]

Maybe you need to change up the kinds of foods you are eating rather than focusing strictly on the calories. Maybe beef up the lean protein and cut down on the starchy carbs ( which for me cause a lot of bloating).
Everyone else has had good advice about maybe increasing calories a bit. All that working out requires a good energy source and good foods to help you repair muscles.
I have also noticed for me that when I first start a new routine, it will be able 2 months before all of the sudden the weight just comes off super fast.

[georgeharrison]

Honestly, @uwhuskygirl, I would be SUPER frustrate, too, and about ready to give up. I understand where all the other ladies are coming from, but I need some kind of results pretty quickly or else I lose all motivation. I hope you are able to get a good mix of things to help you reach your goals. I'm about ready to start doing something to get my weight back under control and I'm really nervous that I'm not going to succeed.

[karebear219]

I agree with all the others. STOP weighing yourself. Pay attention to how your clothes are fitting and how you feel. I don't have anything new to add besides that. Keep at it you are doing great.

[Deleted]

My friend's nutritionist said you should have a min 60g of protein every day but 70g is the goal. About 30g of fat and the rest of your calories from carbs. Since my friend has gotten her protein up to that amount, it really helps her stay full.

[joenali]

It can take longer than 4 weeks. Can you up the amount of time you are working out by adding a day or adding more minutes to your current workouts? When I trained for ironman, I started noticing a difference 6 weeks in, and that is working out 6 days a week and at that point I think I only did short double workouts (30 minute run, 60 minute swim, two-three times a week) I think you should also consider your intensity of these workouts. What is the intensity like of these trainer led sessions? Are you working out on your days off/weekends? That is the best time to add more time to your exercise plan.

[Deleted]

Aug 21, 2014 14:31:13 GMT -5 @sfgal530 said:

What are you eating? Calorie counting itself is much less important than what types of food you are putting into your body.

Mostly lean meats, lots of fresh veggies, low carbs and low fat. I consume most of my carbs post work out too. 

I treat myself to froyo maybe 2x a week too. 

@ksta, that's encouraging to hear because my trainer is having me do no more than 130g of carbs and 30g of fat, at least 85g of protien a day. The protien has actually been a lot easier than I expected, but the carbs are harder because I feel like I was surprised in the amount of carbs in things I wasn't expecting to find carbs in. 

joenali, I feel like the training sessions are pretty intense. It's about 45-50 minutes of weights and 10-15 minutes of interval cardio. On my non-trainer/gym class days I haven't been doing much past walking B, but I guess I should start getting really serious about this and do something, even a 30 minute session by myself every day. 

Thank you for the encouragement everyone!