Exercise in P3/P4?

[sassy_red]

When do you recommend starting in on heavier exercises (intense lifting and cardio)? I wanted to start working out pretty regularly once I was done with this P2 but since my schedule immediately after this round is going to be difficult, and I plan to cycle right into another P2 following this round's P3, those plans have been nixxed. I know we're supposed to maintain the weight on P3, but does that also mean maintain body composition? Can I start adding muscle/reducing fat in P3, or should I wait until P4?

[CaTriGirl]

I hope you get an answer to this question, I'm wondering the same thing. I don't want to exercise during P2 because I'm trying to do everything to a "T" on Protocol.
I miss my run and rides!

[dawnyama]

I personally would hold off on any exercise until P4. Having done this protocol for 4 rounds this has been discussed many times and you may do what you wish. However, this is what made my decision easier: the goal of P3 is stabilization. If you add in exercise early on in P3 you will have your body depend on that exercise for stabilization. Heaven forbid I cannot get in a walk or weight workout for a few days or longer due to my schedule, or perhaps a broken ankle. I would prefer my body stabilize with food alone and NOT depend on that exercise to stay where I want it to! Let us know what you decide to do!

[CaTriGirl]

Thanks Dawn, that makes a lot of sense. You are a wealth of info!
I was wondering that very thing about the stabilizing and exercise.

My metabolism is sooooo slow. Before starting this diet, I'd burn 800-1200 calories and eat a super, clean diet just to NOT gain weight. I don't want to have to rely on exercise to have a normal metabolism.

I just want to be "normal"! I can't imagine being able to eat normal foods, and not have to do really long workouts just to maintain. I just can't wait!!

Impressive, you have gone 4 rounds! WOW! Way to go.

I hope I can make it through one.

[dawnyama]

Ca

You will do fine!! You started where I started and your goal was just about mine. I got to my goal in 3 rounds--I lost just at 15 pounds per round. The 4th was really just a do-over!! You can do it!!

[sassy_red]

CTG I've been keeping up with your blog, looking forward to watching your losses!!

[sarahbopp]

I finished P3 in July and just started working out. I'm doing the 30 day Challenge on EA Sports Active on my Wii. I'm on my 8th day, have worked out 6 times (on the low impact/easy setting) and I'm over my 2 lb mark. My LIW is 126.0 and I'm at 128.6. I am increasing my water and protein but I rarely have starch or sugar so about 85-95% of the time I'm eating the same as P3 with a smattering (or a couple bites) of garlic & rosemary potatoes or 1 slice of pizza. I probably only ate 3 items throughout this last week that weren't P3 friendly - which is fine because I'm in P4. I have been in P3 & P4 long enough to figure out what triggers a gain (for me: beans & corn).

Here are my questions (hopefully it's not too rhetorical):
1. Does working out cause a gain?
2. Should I have done a steak day today? (I just did one 5 days ago which was after 3 work outs).
3. How much weight should you expect to gain when working out and after how many work out sessions?

I did my measurements again and everything is right on and most of my clothes are fitting (exception is a pair of pants that I dried for too long), some of them are even getting to be too big.

I just don't want to freak out or get obsessive or anything. I don't mind protein days (egg day is my favorite) but the lack of variety in those days is sort of a punishment. I also know that yesterday was my longest work out at 45 minutes (where the others were 20-30 minutes).

It's a difficult thing to balance what Dr. Simeon's has said: "do a steak day the very day you see the scale more than 2.0 lb over your LIW" when I'm working out and hadn't worked out before or during my hCG experience.

Thoughts? Has anyone else who hadn't previously been working out had the same experience as me?

[CaTriGirl]

You are probably gaining muscle. A better way to know for sure is to have your body fat measured. You can get that done if you are a member of a gym, or buy one, they are pretty affordable.