Here are some things I found: credibility is questionable.
Hormonal contraceptives: Do they affect muscle or weight gain? | The Diet Channel
THE PILL & THE FEMALE ATHLETE - Printer Friendly - Muscle & Fitness Hers
The Valley Hospital
Anyway, I will be seeing my lady doctor soon and am going to ask her about this.
So this week I had been a little bloated - more than usual. Either from the weekend or the pills. Well when I got home yesterday I was thinking hmmm, my stomach seems to have returned to its flatter state. I should weigh myself! BIG MISTAKE
I was up 3 pounds in exactly a week. I was all pumped up last week after being at my lowest in years. Now I know the scale is dumb but I can't help but get a little down about it. Here is my theory: I am retaining water somewhere. I have extreme DOMS and am hoping that my legs are retaining water after a return to lifting. 3 pounds seems extreme though. I drink water like a banshee, very little sodium, and just coffee for caffeine in the morning. I guess my body is really holding onto that water. On a good note, I was looking through some old photos last night from about 2 years ago and can definitely see a difference in my face. It looks much thinner these days. I am going to take pictures when I finish stage 7 and if I get enough guts will post them with my starting photos from March. Eeeek!
Well after the grim discovery on the scale I was mad so I did my workout.
Stage 7 Workout 2
Alternating Sets:
Incline Bench
8 x 50
8 x 50
Bent over row (subbed for cable row)
8 x 55
8 x 55
Alternating Sets: (I took it a little easier this time, esp. on the legs)
Dumbbell squat w/feet on plates
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
Shoulder Press:
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
Step up: (ouch!)
15 x 20
15 x 20
15 x 20
15 x 20
Negative Chin Up (in lieu of lat pulldown)
1 x BW each held as long as I could! First one was best of course
1 x BW
1 x BW
1 x BW
I was tired after this workout, but not even close to what I felt on Tuesday. So I was feeling tough again and though I would go for a run. BIG MISTAKE. I made it about two blocks and my legs would still not go. They still need some time to recover I guess. But husband and I went on a nice walk around the neighborhood. Probably about 45 minutes. Slow though. It was such a nice night we had to be outside.
Today is a complete rest day. I will either lift tomorrow or Sunday. I plan to get lots of NEAT in this weekend, too. We are going to go golfing and probably on a long bike ride. Going to keep the food in check since I will have zero temptations and will be home for once!