The paradox of getting fit

[Ellen Forradalom]

During the summer I gained a few pounds and went up a dress size. I started swimming regularly and went back down. Stepped on the doctor's scale today and found I gained three more pounds.

The difference is muscle, which is good, but it does mess with your head.

[CrispyQ]

1. I have a love/hate relationship with my scale.

I know some people advocate not using one & only going my how your clothes fit, but when you are trying to lose a significant amount of weight, it can be a real lift to see that number diminish. For so many years I've worn elastic waisted pants so that I don't feel that extra 8 pounds around the middle, so using my clothes as a measurement has not been an option.

Funny thing, though. About 2 weeks ago my fat pants fit again. Harr! What a difference perspective makes, huh? I was thrilled, since I have been too large for them for many years. :rofl: They are now starting to become a little loose. :thumbsup:

BTW, I think doctor's scales always weigh heavy! And I don't know about your doctor's office, but at my doctor's the scale is in the hallway on your way to the patient rooms, so you get weighed with all of your clothes on. :eyes: They don't even have a place to hang your coat & purse so I put mine on the floor & close my eyes.

Muscle rocks!

[lizerdbits]

2. I'm always dubbed as 35 lbs overweight

I'm about 5'6" and normally wear a 12. I'm 175 lbs I guess due to weightlifting. When I am weighed at the doctors office they start me out at 150 on that bigger weight and I giggle as they push the smaller weight up and nothing moves for a while if at all (I don't remember if they're in 25 or 50 lb increments). I do have excess fat as far as percentage goes probably (never had myself measured) but I don't really care about numbers. I work out because it makes me feel good, stopped smoking, and eat well. I was only about 5-10lbs heavier in college number wise and wore almost an 18 since I didn't exercise like I do now.

Did I mention I hate weight tables? :)

[Ellen Forradalom]

3. oh, weightlifting changes everything

you do add some MUSCLE when you lift.