It's all in my mind

Tik

Tik

New member
Hi! I'm new here! I decided to join because I'm having a hard day, and have become very discouraged about the fabulous work I have done. My family and friends are not into losing weight, or going to the gym, and they don't seem to understand the mental process that I'm going through.

This past month I've begun working with a personal trainer 3 times a week (1 hour sessions). On top of that, I try to go to the gym 2-3 more times a week. I normally try and get either a yoga or zumba class in, and then a session by myself focusing on my cardio. This is the first time that I've been motivated to seek out weightloss help, and to encourage myself to keep going to the gym on my own. This is a huge feat for myself, as I've always found the gym a very intimidating place! But I love it! I love going, I love the feeling of working out, and I love the prospects of becoming the person I want to be.

I'm managing my diet through a diet journal. Normally I eat a lot of veggies/fruit- and since I've been going to the gym I've been making sure to increase my protein and monitor my portion sizes. I eat 4-5 small meals a day, and have been drinking 500ml of water 3-4 times a day! things have been going great- until today!

Up to now I have noticed a difference in how my clothes fit, my movement, and my stamina. I'm sleeping better, have more energy, and can concentrate a lot more! It's fantastic...I weigh myself every time I go in, and I have noticed an overall drop of 6lbs! Unfortunately today I went for my second fitness assessment.

i have been looking forward to my follow up fitness test, as I was excited to seem my progress! Being a student, I was expecting to give myself a gold star!

For my first they took my weight, BMI, % fat, all my measurements, and recorded my time for a wall sit, plank, # of push ups, and sit ups (as well as a 10minute bike test). Today I had only a -2lbs drop in weight. From this I had +1lbs in muscle and -2lbs in fat. I've lost an inch of my bust, waist and hips, but grew an inch in both my thighs and my arms (and my arms, oh my arms...I want to have thin, toned arms! I don't want my arms at all!). I beat all my records from my first physical fitness test...I should be HAPPY! I should be over the moon...but all I can focus is the -2lbs drop and my bigger arms.

My personal trainer told me I was doing fantastic, and that +1lbs of muscle in a month is an excellent thing...I should be happy, and I know the scale is not a good measurement- but it's eating away at me!

What are some of the things you all do to make yourself feel better? To get over that hump? I've tried reading articles about staying positive and not having high expectations...but I still feel rotten! It'll get better right?
 
Awesome, a fellow Canadian!

The worst thing you can do is stop what you've been doing! That will not make you feel better!

It can be sooo frustrating when the results that you get aren't as good as you'd hoped... but look at your numbers.... you've improved in every category! That's amazing!

Keep in mind that with measuring arms, legs, etc... it's very difficult to take the measurements in the exact same spot every time. I don't want to diminish your trust in fitness testing, but a person could take a measurement, then take a measurement a moment later and get a different result because they didn't take the measurement in the exact same spot, or the tape was angled, or you were flexing the muscle more, etc.

These are very useful measurements, but they are more useful over longer periods of time... Keep going, you are on the right track!

It looks like you get in 2 days of 'cardio,' between the zumba class and a day on your own doing cardio... Do you do any other cardio during the week? What do you focus on with the personal trainer?

PLB
 
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Hi!

I'm out east! But it's great to see another Canadian on here :) And thank you for the post!

I know it's hard...and I guess part of it is that I'm mad at myself for even being the slightest bit upset over those numbers! And like you said, measurements are very subjective! My first assessment was with a different woman, and I'm fairly certain she didn't get me to flex when she was taking my arm measurements, which I did this morning...regardless- I should be proud of my work. I think the hardest thing for me to overcome with this journey, is going to be myself!

Cardio is something that I know I need to work on- and I will admit (first time aloud), that I've been avoiding it! I hate doing cardio outside of a class!!

With my PT, I don't do any cardio- we're in the building stage for another week or so, and then we'll be going into the lean stage, focusing on certain muscles, and then moving into the burn stage which will be cardio intensive. I know, right now, it's really my duty to make sure I'm getting cardio in.

So I have been trying to do 1 60 min zumba class a week, and then 1-2 sessions of 20mins of carido. I know that's not a lot...my goal is to dedicate more time to cardio each time I go. I like doing circut training and weight training, so when I go on my own, I still stick to that...but I know I should be working more on my cardio.

I would love to make it a goal to run a 5k race at the end of May. I know I have to work up to it!

Thank you again for your response! It's places like these, and people like you that help you get through a tough time! :)
 
Hey Tik,

Don't worry, I wasn't reprimanding you for not doing enough cardio... I was just curious about your overall fitness plan :) ... It sounds like your PT has a solid plan in place and with the classes and your own workouts, I think you are doing just fine at the moment! My best advice at this point is to be patient! You're doing great work, and you'll get to where you want to be eventually if you stick with it!

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said: "I should be proud of my work. I think the hardest thing for me to overcome with this journey, is going to be myself!" This is the case for probably most people out there - I think many others on the forum can relate to that!

Running a 5K at the end of May would be a fabulous goal... having specific goals like that really help to keep you on track.

Keep up the good work!

PLB
 
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You're doing great, and be very proud!!! Growing a pound of muscle in a month is outstanding!!! Muscle requires calories to exist, fat doesn't. By building muscle, you're increasing your basal metabolic rate. You have a plan, you're executing it well, and seeing positive results. I'd be suspect of the measurement like PLB said since it said an inch more in arms in a month. That says inconsistent measure to me, so don't get caught up in a number. YOU KNOW you're making progress, so keep doing your plan and know it is working and will continue to work. Remember the tortise and the hare. Slow and steady wins the race.
 
PBL & BugDude - Thank you both for such the warm responses! It's people like you who are going to make this happen for me! Just that small push and recognition can be one of the best things a person can ask for! Not to mention the wonderful advice, tips, and stories on here :)

PBL- thank you again for the advice! Cardio is something I know I need/want to work on- but it's something i hate! I'm trying to combat that hate by doing cardio filled classes! That way it's not just setting forth on a treadmill for 30 minutes! A quick question (as you seem extremely knowledgeable)- I LOOOVE the rowing machine, however, I don't find that it targets my cardio- does it? I would be in heaven if it did!! Also, I agree- setting up goals is a fabulous thing! I hope that I can achieve them and also achieve my weight loss :)

Bug- thank you again for the wonderful comment! You're very right, I should be proud! Regardless of the numbers (which, like you and PBL said- could be a bit inaccurate because of measurement error), I should be proud that I'm out there! You're right about the slow and steady! It's important to maintain healthy weight loss! And to gradually change my lifestyle choices, then go on a quick hardcore diet, and then gain it all back! I'm hoping that my choice to lose the weight will pan out into longterm lifestyle behaviours :) We can only hope for the best!! :)

Thank you again!! It's great seeing people I barely know give me encouragement! It's make me feel wonderful, warm, and confident :)
 
Sounds like you're doing good Tik. Loosing weight is a mind **** sometimes. I've been at it 3 months solid, trainer 3 days a week, elliptical/spinning 3 days a week, food journaling on myfitnesspal and now wearing a Body Bugg which gives me my calories burned on a minute to minute basis 24 hours a day on a wrist watch. I want to be thinner faster and watch these shows with people losing 5 to 7 pounds a week, every week for months on end. It kills me, it takes everything I got to lose 2 pounds a week. Anyway you're doing the right things and good things are happening for you. As far as the arms getting a little bigger it's probably some size stimulated by working out and as you lean out they will shrink. Keep up the good work kiddo.
 
You're doing great! Just be patient. You're doing everything right and you just have to keep at it. You'll see the results you want in time. It doesn't happen overnight. You should be incredibly proud of your progress! Good luck girl!

(P.S. I'm also originally from Canada!! but I moved to the US to get married)
 
Tik said:
A quick question (as you seem extremely knowledgeable)- I LOOOVE the rowing machine, however, I don't find that it targets my cardio- does it? I would be in heaven if it did!!
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I don't use the rowing machine much myself, but it can definitely be considered cardio! You can treat your workouts almost the same as on the treadmill, elliptical, etc. You can do constant intensity for the same amount of time that you do on a treadmill (or whichever machine), or you can do interval-style training (HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training). This would be something like doing 30 seconds of hard rowing, then 90 - 120 sec of easy rowing, then repeating that cycle 5-7 times.

When you are first starting, you should just do low-moderate intensity at a constant pace for a few weeks at least, then once your body is used to it you can try the intervals... Mainly to prevent injuries! Your PT may be able to help you out by giving you some target heart rates for different intensities (although if the rower doesn't have a heart rate monitor, then it doesn't really matter!) They should also be able to give you some pointers on proper posture & technique... again to avoid injury ;)

Enjoy your 'heaven'! :)
 
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@ Journey : Thank you so much for the kind words! I only hope that my arms getting bigger is my developing giant "guns" :) This body bugg sounds very interesting! So it's just like a watch that records how many calories you burn...neat! Does it do other things? Like heart rate, etc?

@Kaylee : Thank you!!! Where in Canada are you from? I'm from the east coast!! And you're right- it doesn't happen over night...it's a long road, and a lot of work. But it's worth it :)

PLB: Thank you for the information! Today when i go into the gym, I am going to sit down, and take a hard look at the rowing machine! For some reason, it appeals to me so much more than running or biking! I'm pleased to know that, it too, can be a cardio workout!

The other day my trainer helped me figure out my ideal heart rate (60% and 80%), and my goal is to always stay between them (and closer to 80%) when working out! Thank you again PLB- you've given me A LOT of great advice :)
 
Tik said:
@ Journey : Thank you so much for the kind words! I only hope that my arms getting bigger is my developing giant "guns" :) This body bugg sounds very interesting! So it's just like a watch that records how many calories you burn...neat! Does it do other things? Like heart rate, etc?

@Kaylee : Thank you!!! Where in Canada are you from? I'm from the east coast!! And you're right- it doesn't happen over night...it's a long road, and a lot of work. But it's worth it :)

PLB: Thank you for the information! Today when i go into the gym, I am going to sit down, and take a hard look at the rowing machine! For some reason, it appeals to me so much more than running or biking! I'm pleased to know that, it too, can be a cardio workout!

The other day my trainer helped me figure out my ideal heart rate (60% and 80%), and my goal is to always stay between them (and closer to 80%) when working out! Thank you again PLB- you've given me A LOT of great advice :)
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Hi Tik,

Congratulations on your journey so far. I am from Canada too but further west in Alberta. I was just reading through some of your posts and noticed that you wanted to start running. Just to give you a little history about myself- at my heaviest I was 320 pounds at 5'11". I was morbidly obese. I lost 100 of those pounds about 4 years ago. Over the last 4 years my weight crept back up to 255. I decided since I have always been the fat kid since I was little and since I am about to turn 50 that I spent almost 50 years fat and I was tired of it. I needed to change. I have done this before and I wasn't going to spend whatever time I have left on this earth -- FAT. Now I have never run for sport- I was always too heavy but I knew that running really burns calories, so I started running. First driveway to driveway and then 1/2 KM then 1KM and am now training for a 10KM run. Believe me when I say I never thought I could ever run, never mind enjoy it. I actually run outside now- couple of weeks ago it was -25. I am now 193 pounds and loving life. I have now added some weight training and am starting to firm up. I know you can do this. It is just watching what you eat and getting some exercise. It looks like you are on the right path. Good luck on your journey- we are all rooting for you.
 
cowboy48 said:
Hi Tik,

Congratulations on your journey so far. I am from Canada too but further west in Alberta. I was just reading through some of your posts and noticed that you wanted to start running. Just to give you a little history about myself- at my heaviest I was 320 pounds at 5'11". I was morbidly obese. I lost 100 of those pounds about 4 years ago. Over the last 4 years my weight crept back up to 255. I decided since I have always been the fat kid since I was little and since I am about to turn 50 that I spent almost 50 years fat and I was tired of it. I needed to change. I have done this before and I wasn't going to spend whatever time I have left on this earth -- FAT. Now I have never run for sport- I was always too heavy but I knew that running really burns calories, so I started running. First driveway to driveway and then 1/2 KM then 1KM and am now training for a 10KM run. Believe me when I say I never thought I could ever run, never mind enjoy it. I actually run outside now- couple of weeks ago it was -25. I am now 193 pounds and loving life. I have now added some weight training and am starting to firm up. I know you can do this. It is just watching what you eat and getting some exercise. It looks like you are on the right path. Good luck on your journey- we are all rooting for you.
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Thank you so much for the motivation! I would LOOOVE to run...it's something that I've never tried to do, because like you said how you felt, I always thought I was too fat.

It's great that you're training for a 10k race! Woot! I know that a lot of it is in my head, and that I CAN do it! it might not be that fun at first, but by golly, if I want to run- I can!

I like that you started first by running in between drive ways, and then gradually went up distances...I think this might be a large problem of mine...i expect to be able to run 1-2 km right now, at high speed without being in pain. I'm smart enough to know that this isn't going to be the case! I KNOW i can't start out and "BAM" be able to do it...I need to remember that it's a progression!

Thank you again! And with all this encouragement, I'm going to be running circles around that treadmill ;)

Oh- quick question- did your progress in running come from a specific running plan? I know there are running plans out there, that get you up to running a certain difference...I have never tried one, nor have I known anyone that has tried it!
 
Tik said:
Thank you so much for the motivation! I would LOOOVE to run...it's something that I've never tried to do, because like you said how you felt, I always thought I was too fat.

It's great that you're training for a 10k race! Woot! I know that a lot of it is in my head, and that I CAN do it! it might not be that fun at first, but by golly, if I want to run- I can!

I like that you started first by running in between drive ways, and then gradually went up distances...I think this might be a large problem of mine...i expect to be able to run 1-2 km right now, at high speed without being in pain. I'm smart enough to know that this isn't going to be the case! I KNOW i can't start out and "BAM" be able to do it...I need to remember that it's a progression!

Thank you again! And with all this encouragement, I'm going to be running circles around that treadmill ;)

Oh- quick question- did your progress in running come from a specific running plan? I know there are running plans out there, that get you up to running a certain difference...I have never tried one, nor have I known anyone that has tried it!
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I never knew about the running plans when I first started-lol. I know about them now. I just started running slowly at first between driveways until I couldn't breathe anymore. Well maybe not that intense but you get the drift. I started running- walking around our subdivision- I live on an acreage. Did it just about everyday. I started last Sept. It didn't take me long within a month I was running the whole subdivision- about 2 KM. Then I started running further. There is a lot of different running programs- my wife is using the Running Room program- you start with 3 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking and eventually you end at 10 running and 1 minute of walking. Apparently there are people doing marathons with this program. Check out their website. I didn't do and still don't do the 1 minute of walking. I figured that once I stopped I wouldn't be able to get going again-lol. So I just run. I used to run 5 KM everyday. My best time was 22 minutes. I have now changed how I run because I am running a longer distance you actually run less through the week. Sunday- I run outside and that is my long run day. Last week I ran for 40 minutes and it was about 7 KM- that increases week to week. Monday I run 5KM. Tuesday I run 5 KM and do a one hour boot camp( weight training ) - another heavy day. Wednesday is rest day. Thursday I run 5 KM ( although next week that changes to 6 KM) Friday is weight training day. Saturday I run 3 KM just for speed and then back to Sunday.I decided that I needed a goal so I am running a 10KM for our local Youth Emergency Shelter on St. Patrick's Day. I just started this 3weeks ago and I am still losing weight and toning so I guess it is working. My main issue was that I wasn't eating enough ( especially protein) for working out this hard. I have some loose skin around my stomach but not bad for a guy that is almost 50. That was the hardest thing -- eat more. I am still having problems with that but with more protein I am feeling stronger.
 
Cowboy, that's one of the best ways to get started with running! There are definitely lots of run programs out there, just google "walk/run" or "learn to run" and you'll find plenty, but just heading out in the neighborhood and doing your own program can sometimes be the best way to go!

My manager at the gym I used to work at was about 100 lbs overweight about 20 years ago... She used to go out in the middle of the night and run from lamppost to lamppost. Eventually she started 5K's then 10K's and kept going until she got into triathlons.... the crazy part is that last summer she completed an Ultraman race (if you know what an Ironman is, an Ultraman is more than double the distances)!!! Pure craziness if you ask me, but for me it really puts things into perspective!
 
PLBFitness said:
Cowboy, that's one of the best ways to get started with running! There are definitely lots of run programs out there, just google "walk/run" or "learn to run" and you'll find plenty, but just heading out in the neighborhood and doing your own program can sometimes be the best way to go!

My manager at the gym I used to work at was about 100 lbs overweight about 20 years ago... She used to go out in the middle of the night and run from lamppost to lamppost. Eventually she started 5K's then 10K's and kept going until she got into triathlons.... the crazy part is that last summer she completed an Ultraman race (if you know what an Ironman is, an Ultraman is more than double the distances)!!! Pure craziness if you ask me, but for me it really puts things into perspective!
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Yeah, this worked for me. Another thing I had to be conscious of was my running stride. Heel toe - heel toe otherwise you can get shin splints pretty easily. My long, long term goal is now to run a marathon - not an ultra marathon ( that IS craziness) - don't know if it will happen but I want to say " I ran a marathon"-lol. As the weight came off running was easier though.
 
cowboy and PLB- thanks for the great advice!

I hate to say this, but ...and I'm cringing...I would LOVE to be comfortable enough to run outside! I know it's horrible! It's like how I use to say that I want to be more fit to go to the gym! >.<

Running is something I really really want to achieve- but it's something that I struggle with.

PLB - That's a very inspiring story about your boss...it just proves that when you put your mind towards something- you can achieve it!

I know 5k isn't a very long race, but I can't imagine myself doing it! But if I work towards it, i can! :)

I'm going to really invest time in finding a good running routine- AND invest in me sticking too it :)

Thank you again for your encouragement and advice! I hope you guys know how valued it is :)
 
Tik said:
cowboy and PLB- thanks for the great advice!

I hate to say this, but ...and I'm cringing...I would LOVE to be comfortable enough to run outside! I know it's horrible! It's like how I use to say that I want to be more fit to go to the gym! >.<

Running is something I really really want to achieve- but it's something that I struggle with.

PLB - That's a very inspiring story about your boss...it just proves that when you put your mind towards something- you can achieve it!

I know 5k isn't a very long race, but I can't imagine myself doing it! But if I work towards it, i can! :)

I'm going to really invest time in finding a good running routine- AND invest in me sticking too it :)

Thank you again for your encouragement and advice! I hope you guys know how valued it is :)
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Hi Tik,

Believe me when I say that I couldn't imagine myself running 5 KM either. Start small- maybe around the block to start with. It really doesn't take long to build up the stamina. I lost 100 pounds the first time and didn't do any exercise - it was diet alone. This time around the weight still came off but my body shape is different and it is the running that is doing it. I like the lean runner's body look but want to add some muscle to the look as I think some runners look too skinny. LOL- too skinny- something that has never been said about me. You can do this- I know you can. Like you said invest in yourself -- you are worth it!!
 
Hey Tik

I decided to visit your journal since you took time to read mine! Alot of people on here started running using the program couch potato to 5k appenrently it's one of the best programs to run. I had started to go on walk / runs last year I picked out a 2km route and I would run from electrical post to the next....or once I got my I POd I would run durring the chorus(sorry I can't spell) you have to start slow run little distance and tell yourself by next week I have to run an extra post or something ......I loved it and I will take it up again in the spring when the icy sidewalk are dry! Another Cardio I love doing is just turning up the music and dancing! It doesn't feel like a workout but if you really get into it you will work up a sweat!
 
@Cowboy - Your story is wonderful! And congrats again to reaching goals (i.e., "I don't want to be too skinny" THAT'S AWESOME), that you didn't think you can reach! I am going to make extra effort to push through the "not so pleasant" running time - that's when I normally give up! Like you said - I can do it :) Thank you again!!

@Vero- I love dancing with the music at full blast! I am always surprised how fierce I can get - and then how sweaty :) Thank you for sharing your running experience with me, and the suggestion of that program! I LOVE your method of running during the chorus! That's great! I might have to try that tomorrow when I exercise! Thanks for the advice (and encouragement!!)
 
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