I see what you mean, a pound is a pound. I think most get that one.

I agree with the others though that mass isn't the same weight. You can have one gal that weighs 200 in a size 14 and another one (same height and weight) wearing an 18.

I have always read that a couple of pounds (unsure of max) is normal when you first begin training because of the repairation of the muscles. Water is retained in them in the beginning as part of that process. It comes off though.

My boyfriend is a serious body builder & has went from 155 lbs to 210 lbs of muscle... BUT.... That has taken 11 yrs to do. I never realized how hard it was to gain muscle until I see him bench 375 lbs @ the gym and think about how long he has worked to go from the scrawny kid I knew in high school the lean sexy man he is now :D

mmm... sexy pic! :lol:

that pic (of the pound of fat and muscle) reminds me of a website i saw a long time ago- mypetfat . com i think. you could BUY a replica of a pound of fat! or 5 lbs or what have you... it was so gross! and people would like leave it in their fridge and stuff to deter them from eating... hahahaha

It happens even when you're not a beginner. Muscle needs plenty of fluids to repair itself, that's why I never weigh myself after legs day.

Talking about that, I need to get back to using weights...

Thighs be gone, and then there are the girls who weighed 198 and wore a size 20. Go figure.

Jay

ok...i know i always weighed more when my legs were really sore...what about arms?? They retain fluids to when their sore from working out, don't they?? Cause i'm up another pound since yesterday morning and i did a pretty good work out on my arms last night. I also ate a little heavier meal than usualy (carbs) but i also excersize on the elliptical for 20 minutes after my arms work out.

I'm wondering, though, about the changes to my muscles which started becoming very evident within just two to four weeks of training. I'm still very obese, of course, but for example--my triceps muscle and shoulder muscles started being very visible when I flex or when I'm just doing my daily activities. My arms overall and lower body have become FAR more firm, also--to sight and to touch.

Doesn't that mean that I am actually building muscle? What else would explain them becoming more obvious--"bulking up" to the naked eye?

Yes, they will still retain water. It's a "problem" weighing in after your legs day because your legs are part of your largest muscle groups. They will retain more water just because there is more muscle. I think I explained that decently. :p

I think there is a difference between muscle definition and muscle bulk. If you use muscles, they become more defined, that is, they tone up, their shape changes. And with repeated use, they also become larger. That's what you're probably seeing in 2 to 4 weeks.

Is it a pound of muscle? Well, it could be more than that if you have been working out vigorously.

So the change in your weight is a combination of fat loss, water weight (up or down), and lean body mass change (up or down). That's why I think body fat % is so important.

Jay

daimere...i think you explained that just fine. And i think that we are thinking the same thing. When you work out your legs, they are a much larger muscle and so they retain a much larger amount of fluids...up to possibly 5 pounds. But the arms, much smaller muscles, will retain fluids but much less..possibly up to 1 or 2 pounds. I believe that may be correct. If i am wrong, someone please let me know. I know that reasoning makes me feel better about being up another pound this morning. And all i know is that i am definately going to drink my water, and excersize and stay on plan today and tomorrow and hope that the weight goes back down (which i'm sure it will).

Also, remember that as the fat around the muscle goes away you can see them better!

FACT or MYTH? ~

Jen will do her second 5K faster than her first.....

Waiting for the results.....;)

Fact!

Gosh thanks, y'all!! <blush>

I sure hope my second 5K is faster than my last....turtles are faster! ROFL