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-   -   free weights vs. machines (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/exercise/248048-free-weights-vs-machines.html)

indiblue 12-05-2011 06:32 AM

I would echo sacha's comments. I think to work on body recomposition through lifting you have to let go of the desire to see day-to-day results, changes on the scale, and stressing over every calorie. It's learning to switch over to maintenance- which sometimes involves a temporary gain of a few pounds as your body readjusts to a bit higher food intake. Like sacha said, it's thinking long-term rather than short-term.

I'm speaking as someone who is going through the same process right now. (While I already lift and have visible muscle definition, I am committing to do more serious strengthening.) I am refocusing my desire to see numbers drop on the scale each day to see real changes in my body. I have stopped overanalyzing every calorie and instead am working on reshaping- not reducing- the body I have. I have stopped calorie counting and caring about daily fluctuations in the scale. It's about letting go and trusting that the long-term process will take care of itself.

Good luck to you!

sacha 12-05-2011 09:08 AM

Great post indiblue :)

Strength training at a normal healthy weight is basically identical to maintenance in that you don't "see" daily results. You may feel them (feel good, feel 'healthier', more energy, even muscle soreness in the beginning) but you won't see it. I recommend a good front/back/side bikini/undies pose when starting. Now, stay on plan for a full year, take your pics again, and WOW, you will really see it.

With weight loss, you "see" results every day on the scale, whether they are real or not (ie. a 1-2lb weight 'loss' is very likely just water fluctuations). This is what pushes many people through weight loss. You can see in the weight loss support section that people who don't see this change often give up and throw in the towel - even though they can 'feel' daily changes (ie. better nutrition).

This focus on the # at YOUR size is what holds a lot of girls back. Yes, at 300+lbs, seeing weekly/monthly scale weight changes is important, but girl you are NOT overweight! So it's time to brave strength training. Remember that this is for the long term - if you can push yourself to do strength training and stick with it, no matter what the numbers say (I mean obviously if you gain 10-15lbs there's a problem but a 1-2lb fluctuation here & there is no big deal) then you will really thank yourself.

And you will be much better prepared for maintenance. I've maintained for 8 years and trained through 2 pregnancies - believe me, training will help you get through maintenance, which many are sorry to say is actually a lot harder than weight loss.


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