How will working out effect my weight loss?

[Deeda]

I am curious; Last time I was on atkins I lost pretty quickly in the beginning without working out at all. And throughout being on the Atkins I never saw the inside of a gym. This time around I take Zumba three times a week, take a walk most days and take a free weight class three or four times a week. Do you think(or know) if this will slow down or speed up my weight loss. I am thinking it could slow down the scale b/c I am gaining a ton of muscle.

I weighed in Sunday at 201.6 and I am not officially weighing again until this Sunday. Wish me luck.

[Jordan0611]

This is a great subject!

For me I am a work out addict. I love doing my cardio and working up a good solid sweat. I personally go to the gym every day at lunch and then work out at home at least other day during the week (normally on the weekends) essentially giving me 5-6 days of workouts a week.

My routine is:
Monday - 40 minutes cardio on interval training, abs (sit-ups)
Tuesday - 15 minutes cardio on medium resistance at full sprint, chest & arm weight training
Wednesday - 40 minutes cardio (different type) on interval training, abs
Thursday - 15 minutes cardio on medium resistance at full sprint, leg weight training
Friday - 45 minutes cardio (normally back to the elliptical) a full circuit of 3 sets of 10-15 of heavier weights of weight training... this is my 2 hour gym session (my work day ends early on Fridays).

I have seen a significant stall in my scale weight loss but a huge change in the toning of my body. Underneath my belly pooch I have a really strong muscle tone (so I just need to lose that 1/2" of blubber). My muscles are getting more toned, and even though the scale doesn't move as fast, I am getting more defined.

For me, my heaviest weight was 265... I don't care if I weigh 265 as long as it is healthy muscle rather than the fat it was. I still have a good 30lbs left to lose fat wise, but for me the most important thing is how I feel.

I like the work out routines because I want to be able to do the physical things I used to do and I'm getting right back to that point.

This is just what has worked for me, though. I actually lose more weight faster when I have taken breaks from working out, but my overall health I'm sure is better when I do work out.

[JuliaL]

Deeda: I certainly understand that you're concerned about quick weight loss; isn't everyone? But you have to look at the long-term. Exercise will change your body and your metabolism, and even if the scale may not show it, you will look and feel thinner.

You really should try to focus more on body composition and fat loss rather than just scale weight. The scale is a liar - gaining muscle and losing fat will totally change how you look, and isn't that the ultimate goal?

I guess my point is, exercise may not speed things up, but it will help to make the changes permanent. If you had exercised the first time around, maybe there wouldn't have had to be a second time, KWIM?

Your exercise program sounds great!

[Deeda]

Julia - Thanks for the encouragement!

I like the way I feel during and after working out so I am going to stick with it. I do want to drop the weight but I want to be healthy all the way around and exercising will help. I think I will just keep LC and hitting the gym b/c I like it.

BTW - I broke down and weighed myself today - 197! I love Atkins!

[gilly89]

Deeda, I was told by my Dr. once that exercise is not a must when losing weight but will help tone your body. The way your going to lose the weight is your diet. I work out after I go get off work and I feel that helps me with my portion control,I'am just not as hungry after I work out. So it helps me stay on track. I heard a quote on here once time I don't know who posted it so forgive me but it was "dieting makes you look good in clothes,exercise makes you look good naked!!!" How true that is!

Gilly

[Deeda]

Gilly,

Thanks for the info. I so just want to see these pounds come off but I do think working out has slightly slowed the loss but I am building muscle so I will take it. And the quote really hits home. Thanks for that!

[healthy lady T]

Originally Posted by Deeda

Gilly,

Thanks for the info. I so just want to see these pounds come off but I do think working out has slightly slowed the loss but I am building muscle so I will take it. And the quote really hits home. Thanks for that!

Your question sounded a lot like mine. I posted my question on muscle matters. I asked about Strength training, exercising and dieting. I think the confusing part is a lot of people who diet don't always care about the exercise and we do. I know when I did Atkins before I really didn't workout. Now I am preparing to run a 5k. I think my eating has to change because it doesn't work correctly with my workouts and I don't know if I'm eating the right things. If you get a chance look at some of the suggestions I received. I really think it will go along with what the others have said to you. Keep up the good work!!