[macaddict]

I'm a 21 year old female, size 8-10, looking to lose some weight and tone up (aren't we all). I gained about half a stone recently and can't seem to shift it.

I started a programme of strength training and lifting weights in the gym about a month ago, alongside some semi-regular pilates sessions.

However, I now feel that I look worse than ever. I have gone up a dress size and my body has changed shape but not how I would want it to. I don't appear to be any more 'toned' than I was before, just generally bigger and worse. Is this normal? When embarking on a fitness regime (and specifically weights and/or pilates programmes) is it normal to look worse before you get better? Anyone else had this problem, and any suggestions on what to do to rectify this?

Cheers.

[Also Known As]

Um, water weight?

Have you consulted a trainer? If you've gained mass, that could just be cause muscles weigh more than fat does, but if you're actually getting bigger...I'm not sure what that could be

[silent ninja]

Are you sure you're eating less (calorie deficit overall)?

[macaddict]

I thought water weight, but as my size has been pretty constant for the past few weeks I kind of ruled that out. My weight (as in, on the scales) has remained more or less the same since I initially gained that half a stone a few months ago.

I have no idea either - it's not a huge difference, I just feel like I look worse, and yes, bigger. As I'm aware it takes all sorts of nutritional changes and supplements for a woman to 'bulk up' from weight training I doubt it's just my muscles getting bigger - or is it? But how does that explain the fact I don't look any more toned than when I started?

Frustrating!

[macaddict]

I have been sticking to about 1500 calories a day. This extra weight just doesn't seem to be budging and if anything all this strength training is making it worse - which goes against everything I've read! I guess I'm just wondering if this is a phase and I should keep on going to see results or if I should do something else...

[Becca]

What exactly is your routine?

[xoxAngel_Kxox]

Have you tried taking photos of yourself to compare? Because I often think I look worse than some time in the past, but then when I look at photos I realise how much different I look, so that might help you.

If you post your diet that would be helpful; that way we could help you to work out whether you are actually in deficit or whether you're eating too much and that's why you think you look worse. There's also always the chance it might be water weight if it's anywhere near your period, that can have a big difference.