scale keeps fluctuating !! and been working out - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Robin920 · 06-07-2003, 06:22 AM

Hi everyone ! Ok here is my problem . I just started working out , doing the treadmill for 30 minutes and doing strenth training at least 3 to 4 times a week .But I am not losing anything the scale is going crazy and making me crazy with it!!! For instance I get on the scale 1 day it will say i weigh 218 then the next day 219 then the next 220 then the next 219..It keeps fluctuating but not staying on a downward path ! lol What the heck is going on ? Is this normal ?? The manager at the gym said I will gain first before I lose . Is this true ??? Ill be honest it is really discouraging me and Im at the point of failing one again , but I dont want too!! Anyone with insight on this subject ? Please Help!!!!
Thanks , Robin

Naxis · 06-07-2003, 07:58 AM

First, if you just started working out, you are probably building some muscle which is more dense (heavier) than fat is so even if you are burning some fat, the scale is going to be a bad indicator of this for a little while. Don't stress about it. In fact, stay off the scale if you can help it. No more than one weigh-in a week if you just can't get past weight. Which brings me to point two: weight fluctuates day to day for everyone, mostly due to water weight. Water alone can push the scale around 8 pounds up or down depending on hydration and has no real bearing on anything. Third, you must adjust your diet or you will not lose weight. All the cario in the world will not make you lose weight if you are eating more calories than you burn every day. If your gym has a nutritionist, you might schedule an appointment. If not, you might consider checking out ****** online to gague intake and how much of what you should be eating. It's not a perfect system, but it's a great start. Good luck!
(note: give any diet/exercise plan at *least* 2-4 weeks before deciding if it's working. I can almost guarantee if you go 2 weeks with dedicated cardio and clean diet you *will* see a difference).
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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins

[This message has been edited by Naxis (edited 06-07-2003).]

hagur · 06-07-2003, 08:01 AM

"I just started working out"

You can't expect things to happen overnight ....

Just keep at it!

Also, your diet plays a MAJOR role in this! Are you sure your diet is ok?

Also, when weight training, you can get heavier even if you are loosing fat! Muscles are heavier than fat. Remember that. Don't put too much faith into the scale, take a look at yourself in the mirror. That's what counts the most. You can even have your bodyfat % measured.

Just don't give up just yet, keep at it!

bmxryan · 06-07-2003, 10:56 PM

i agree what they said but it could be what you've eatin and how much water you've drank that day.

I can easily gain 3 or 4 pounds by drinking alot of water and eating a crap load.

Colbe · 06-08-2003, 01:24 AM

LOL. I've gone to sleep at night 203 and been 190 the next day by 12 noon if I haven't eaten breakfast. You really need to forget about weighing yourself day to day. Its a steady progression. In the big picture/long run you will slowly lose the weight. I agree though. Stay off the scale. It will only mess with your head.