Exercise/Muscle Gain...what to expect?

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Hello all~

I have started working out several times a week. Last week: 2 Zumba classes, 1 Body Pump class, 2x Elliptical (6 min. & 10 min.) Today: Zumba & 6 min. Elliptical. T & TH: Body Pump class, Zumba on F, and some more Elliptical thrown in there. Feeling good...energy wise! I was SUPER sore Sat. morning

I'm looking for some opinions regarding the muscle gain. I was kinda hoping I was one of those who did not have muscle gain at first I have bounced up a few lbs. (3.6 lbs.), and now have STS at 170.2 for 2 days now...I reset my scale thinking it was stuck...but it still STS...maybe starting to stabilize?

I still have LOTS of wiggle room if needed (4.8 lbs. + 3 more if needed)...thank goodness I was able to lose down far enough to counteract the bounce. I am not sure if I should try to lose a few lbs. to fight it, or just leave it be.

Those of you who go back into heavy exercise...does it balance out? do you eventually start losing again? how long did it take? weeks? a month?

As far as eating...I have been half-way JUDDDing. Mainly P2 on DD (600-700 cals...I up the protein & different veggies), and P2 + fats (including fruits) on UD's...1500-1600 cals. I'm pondering cutting out the fruits and adding more protein/fats...so technically, (I was losing on JUDDD before at these calories...but not now), Thus, I believe I have been gaining muscle vs. gaining fat/water, or the usual bounce-up of a few lbs. after hHCG....kwim? I suppose I could try lowering DD's to 300-400, and possibly upping the UD cals. to 1700-1800.

Anyway, I would love to hear everyone's experiences, and helpful hints/tips/suggestions on fighting the muscle gain. I don't mind the small gains, as I seem to have a little more wiggle room in my jeans through the thighs, my abs are more prominent, and the love handles have shrank...so weird

[C'Marie]

I wouldn't adjust your calories just yet, you are not "halfway" JUDDDing, you are maintenance JUDDDing just fine, if you are doing that much working out and after doing such a long losing streak (LOL) I think your body needs the nutrition. The point right now is not to lose, but to allow your body to rebuild muscle. That takes protein. I wouldn't cut out the fruit, either. You need those micronutrients. I think you're doing great and I'm just tired looking at your schedule!

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

I wouldn't adjust your calories just yet, you are not "halfway" JUDDDing, you are maintenance JUDDDing just fine, if you are doing that much working out and after doing such a long losing streak (LOL) I think your body needs the nutrition. The point right now is not to lose, but to allow your body to rebuild muscle. That takes protein. I wouldn't cut out the fruit, either. You need those micronutrients. I think you're doing great and I'm just tired looking at your schedule!

TY c'marie! You are definitely right. I guess I am just concerned with gaining at this point, and of course my mind-thinking is to try to lose to counteract. It is a busy schedule...but I tend to do best by jumping head first into the routines. Weird thing is...once I get in the groove, I get tons of energy, and accomplish double the work, cleaning, organizing, etc. AND.......this is prolly the best motivation...I am NOT freezing!!!!!!!!!!!! I assume my metabolism revs up a bit. I hate being cold