Question:
Need some reassurance...can this really be

Hi everyone. Now, I couldn't help myself but freak out when I gained 6 pounds in the past 2 months. I've been training very hard (running, Tae Bo strength training, and weight lifting) for the past 2 months also. But, I really am getting nuts that the scale is going up. The truth is, I am eating better than ever and working out 5 times per week. Someone please tell me this is muscle causing the scale to go up! I have an appointment to start working with a personal trainer, so we will see what she suggest. Thanks everyone!!    — emilyfink (posted on April 11, 2005)

April 11, 2005
when I started working out hard and regular (4-5 times a week for 1.5 to 2.5 hours each time) I went up 10 pounds in a couple of months. However, my measurements are the same... I betting on muscle weight. i can see & feel the differnce in my arms, belly etc. How are your clothes fitting? are they the same?
   — **willow**

April 11, 2005
sounds like muscle mass going up....when i lift i usally gained a little but lost inches on waist, the scale number is not always a good judge when you are working it hard, i think the inches are a larger factor.
   — tom tyler

April 12, 2005
Get off the scale and get out the tape measure, Hottie--You know you're doing the right thing, so don't let your mind sabotage your progress!
   — Patricia R.

April 12, 2005
Hi Emily; I agree with Willow in asking how are your clothes fitting. Something in our culture(at least since the scale was invented!) tells us this is how we know how we are doing. Bullpockey!!! Research- one pound of fat and one pound of muscle weigh the same. But the muscle looks so much better!! And muscle works FOR you not against you. While you are at rest, muscle actually burns fat. By the way, the anxiety people have over no more than 20 pounds above normal is more detrimental to our health than the 20 pounds itself. We need mental adjusting along with the physical changes. You look wonderful and don't let the scale be the master. God bless. SM
   — Sue M.