Question:
Could this be muscle???

I know that at 11 mo. out I should know this. But I've been stressing about a few 3-4 pounds I've gained over the last few days. Now, in the last 2 weeks I've really started incorporating some exercise in my daily routine. 4-5 days a week I ride my bike 5-6 miles (working up a good sweat) and 3 days a week I walk 3 miles. I bike in the am, walk in the pm. My eating has been pretty good I think. Carbs are in check, protein is good the only thing I really need to work on is upping my water but that's always been a challenge for me. Well, today in the shower while fretting about these few pounds (as I know I shouldn't worry) it was like a lightbulb went off above my head and said, man, this could be muscle weight you've gained. The only thing is this, can you gain muscle weight by biking and walking. I thought you had to be lifting weights or working out at a gym or something? If anyone can shed some light on this for me I'd appreciate it. I'm not gonna kill myself worrying over these few pounds because I know I'm eating right and exercising and it will come off. I'm just curious to know if it could be muscle. It's so stressful mentally to see the numbers on the scale go up and not down. Thanks for any input.    — Robin V. (posted on August 20, 2003)

August 20, 2003
I think the true test would be are you gaining in SIZE? I wouldn't worry so much about the gain in pounds if you are exercising. The increase in muscle should not make you get bigger and require a larger size. The scale may go up, but your size should not. I would use your size as the gauge. Shelley
   — Shelley.

August 20, 2003
I would be pretty certain that you are gaining some muscle weight, I bike 20 miles a day and work out for 30 min, but it is low weight (for me) with lots of reps. Bicycling has tightened up my thighs and calves so much. The rest of me is either a pear shape or a keg shape, but that bicycling can put some definition in your legs and such. Keep up the bicycling, and don't worry about 'bulk'. If you get too concerned, take a look at the riders in the Tour de France. Well muscled (but not overly developed) legs and thighs, small stomach and no butt to speak of, and a heart and lung capacity to equal nothing else in the sports world. It may seem extra now, but as you begin to trim and slim down, you'll appreciate the cycling and walking and what it does for your cardiovascular health (as will your Dr. and your heart!).
   — track

August 20, 2003
I work out 4-5 times a week at a wellness center. I do approx (30) minutes on a crosstrainer, (20 minutes on a treadmill, (10) on a stairclimber and (1) circuit of weight bearing machines. My weightloss platued this month (I've lost 103 lbs) I was very frustrated and then I realized I've dropped 2 more sizes! I have to stay off the scale or it would drive me nuts!
   — debmi