Unhappy with results - JP Fitness Forums

wildhorse119 · 12-08-2005, 02:29 PM

This question is for my fiance, who is really struggling with her body. Right off the bat I will say that she is eating healthy. She is an ex-gymnast that is normally very flexible. As she says, she is over-stretched. She does yoga, and generally is always on her feet. Anyway, she has put on about 40 pounds in the last six months and is really trying to lose it. She wasn't getting anywhere with working out at home so she joined a gym. Unfortunately she has the type of body that when she does weight training, she bulks up and begins to look like a man. She does not want that, and neither do I. The trainer there put her on a program for about six weeks that was building muscle and bulking her up. After that time, she complained that she was just building muscle and not losing fat and he agreed and put her on a different program. More of what marathon runners would do for training. Unfortunately, what has happened, is she is not seeing ANY results and now her body is so tight that she can barely do the yoga that she was doing with ease a few weeks ago. The trainer at the gym said that maybe her body was rejecting the workout and she needed to stick with it until she got used to it. I for one am not happy because she has paid this place to help her and since joining she has put on another 10 pounds and not lost any inches. Does this problem sound normal?

gobbla · 12-08-2005, 02:45 PM

what happened to led to her gaining that much weight in that short of time? (I'm not dodging YOUR question, just thought it worth asking before going any further)

Lost Dog · 12-08-2005, 02:45 PM

How do you know she was building muscle and not losing fat? In the beginning of a weight training program, your muscles can change the way they look without much muscle actually being added. But, if it's true, it seems that she might be eating too much. Adding muscle generally takes excess calories.

I don't think weights are the wrong way to go, it could just be that she had a bad weight program. Do you have the details?

Also, did the trainer give her a nutrition plan, as well? Do you have those details, too?

The best fat loss programs, in my opinion, focus on weight loss as a way to keep your body burning extra calories even when you're at rest. The best way to do this is to do weights and intervals. Check out Turbulence Training . For an example of what it's like, check out this newsletter from Craig (the author), which has a sample TT routine. Craig's Get Lean Newsletter #25

Also, Craig's site has a free newsletter that is filled with good fat loss advice.

yovwmon · 12-08-2005, 02:52 PM

Wildhorse. is your wife taking birth control or any kind of medication, this could be the problem.

Quote:

Originally posted by wildhorse119:
This question is for my fiance, who is really struggling with her body. Right off the bat I will say that she is eating healthy. She is an ex-gymnast that is normally very flexible. As she says, she is over-stretched. She does yoga, and generally is always on her feet. Anyway, she has put on about 40 pounds in the last six months and is really trying to lose it. She wasn't getting anywhere with working out at home so she joined a gym. Unfortunately she has the type of body that when she does weight training, she bulks up and begins to look like a man. She does not want that, and neither do I. The trainer there put her on a program for about six weeks that was building muscle and bulking her up. After that time, she complained that she was just building muscle and not losing fat and he agreed and put her on a different program. More of what marathon runners would do for training. Unfortunately, what has happened, is she is not seeing ANY results and now her body is so tight that she can barely do the yoga that she was doing with ease a few weeks ago. The trainer at the gym said that maybe her body was rejecting the workout and she needed to stick with it until she got used to it. I for one am not happy because she has paid this place to help her and since joining she has put on another 10 pounds and not lost any inches. Does this problem sound normal?

Terry Monk · 12-08-2005, 02:57 PM

I'll add my 2 cents to the other advice from above.

Sounds to me like your wife got one of those "trainers" that is all show and no go and really doesn't know what they're doing.
A properly educated trainer would have taken body compositions at the beginning, got a listing of what she was eating, helped her develop a good eating strategy and would have LISTENED to what direction she said she wanted to go, not just putting her on a generic weight training program or sticking her on a treadmill for 45 mins. I've seen lots of "those" trainers.
Have you, or can you, ask the gym for the crdentials of maybe another trainer? One that will work with you?

I agree with LostDog that she needs to use the weights but only in conjunction with some high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Sam S · 12-08-2005, 04:00 PM

Shit program = shit results

The only way she could have gained 10 pounds was from her eating habits. That's her fault.

On a submaintenance calorie diet she will not gain muscle regardless of the program.

Basic strength trainin, interval energy system training, and non processed carb, plenty o protein diet will go a long way here.

Don't over complicate it.

As far as flexibility goes, it's use it or lose it. given that she was very flexibile before, she can be flexible again.

Sounds like she has some emotional issues going on. It's hard to gain 40 pounds in six months unless you're trying to or pregnant.

OldGuy · 12-08-2005, 04:05 PM

Quote:

The trainer at the gym said that maybe her body was rejecting the workout and she needed to stick with it until she got used to it.

Isn't the opposite true, that you'll see results when you first use a program, and as your body adapts to you you'll see less results?

Marykaa · 12-08-2005, 04:11 PM

WILDHORSE

I don't know about your wife but I do sympathizes with her alot.. I just did the South Beach Diet for a complete month, with alot of cardio and weights.. and after some results the first two weeks.. I'm back exactly where I started. I also tend to bulk easily for a girl..

I've actually gained a few pounds from where I started..

I so understand her :/

good luck to her

Marykaa · 12-08-2005, 04:15 PM

GYMRAT.. sometimes I'm starting to believe that all of that weight loss thing is bullshit :/ either the body wants to loose weight or not.. as if it was not up to what we do..

(I know it's not true.. but I sure feel like that)

Terry Monk · 12-08-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marykaa:
GYMRAT.. sometimes I'm starting to believe that all of that weight loss thing is bullshit :/ either the body wants to loose weight or not.. as if it was not up to what we do..

(I know it's not true.. but I sure feel like that)

You lost me on that Mk.... I'm not sure if you're disagreeing with me or agreeing with me. Can you elaborate more based on what I originally posted?

Darkmind · 12-08-2005, 11:13 PM

1. HIIT (High intensity interval training). Sprint for 20-30 seconds, jog for 90 seconds to get the sprint energy back. Repeat 6 times. Over the course of the weeks, add more repetitions, take off more time on low intensity jogs (go from 90 to 80, etc).

2. Weight train. All compound movements, bench press, bent-over row, shoulder press, pullups (and i'm assuming your gym has a pullup assist machine), squats, and dumbbell deadlifts. Do some light weights with more repetitions. 2x15, controlled movements, not rushed. Get her tone.

3. Last but not least (definitely not least), DIET. Make sure her diet is good, no bad fats (there are good fats), no high sodium foods, all clean foods, no junk, or processed foods.

All that combined, and with her yoga, should help her lose weight. Also, best to do the stretching after the exercises.

wildhorse119 · 12-09-2005, 07:35 AM

Ok, ok. Good advice people. However, I think we are on the right track now. Her "trainer" did do an assesment when she started and has done a six week assesment. Got her on a program that is more for dropping fat and not bulking up. Back to what I originally wanted answered, why would her entire body feel tight for a week and a half since starting this new program? So tight that it hurts to touch her and do normal functions of day to day life? Has anybody here ever experienced this? That is what she asked her "trainer", and he said it was wierd and that it was a possibility that her body was not reacting well to the workout.

gobbla · 12-09-2005, 07:43 AM

if she wasn't doing a weight training program before and is now doing one it's VERY normal to be sore as hell for quite some time, esp if the program is a good one.

after a month or three it'll go away.

Newlife · 12-09-2005, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wildhorse119:
Ok, ok. Good advice people. However, I think we are on the right track now. Her "trainer" did do an assesment when she started and has done a six week assesment. Got her on a program that is more for dropping fat and not bulking up. Back to what I originally wanted answered, why would her entire body feel tight for a week and a half since starting this new program? So tight that it hurts to touch her and do normal functions of day to day life? Has anybody here ever experienced this? That is what she asked her "trainer", and he said it was wierd and that it was a possibility that her body was not reacting well to the workout.

I have been so sore after starting new programs that I have thought of going to the hospital. So, that is very normal. Give it 2 weeks of solid lifting and it should get better.

Marykaa · 12-09-2005, 07:56 AM

GYMRAT [img]smile.gif[/img]

Intellectualy, I agree with what you say about how to loose weight but (how I feel these days) I just think there are exceptions.. sometimes we do everything according to the book.. and we still don't loose weight..

So I'm just not as quick as you to conclude that the trainer is bad.

(I'm having trouble with my own weightloss)

Quote:

Originally posted by gymrat:
Sounds to me like your wife got one of those "trainers" that is all show and no go and really doesn't know what they're doing.

Terry Monk · 12-09-2005, 07:59 AM

Ahhh, ok. Now I get what you're saying Mk. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Marykaa · 12-09-2005, 08:33 AM

WILDHORSE

you say she was a Gymnast.. they have flexibility but also strong muscles.. how long has she stopped doing gymnastics?

Here's an idea :
In my own experience I think that the fact that I had done alot of sports long ago means that I "knew" how to give an effort in the gym that someone who is completely new to sports didn't. But my muscles aren't in shape. So each time I start to train "again" after a few years.. I'd really overdo the training. (except when I started weight training this time I was really careful)

Otherwise.. there are some weird things with the body sometimes.. if it's not muscular pains that she has.. maybe go ask doctor Weil on webMD.

******

good luck to your wife [img]smile.gif[/img] Flexibility is Fun [img]smile.gif[/img]