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VIP posted so I thought I would move it over here. CONGRATS on the 10 lbs VipDate: 9/14/2009 2:04:15 AM
Author: vip0802
hey all! i'm new to the thread here and it's really great to be able to read everyone's accomplishments and daily ventures.
so, it's been about a month since i started changing my eating habits for the better and so far, i've lost 10lbs. besides the better eating, i think a lot of that was due to my work. i'm an asst. manager at a sports bar and i'm constantly on the go and on my feet for about 9 hrs/day. the job also requires that i do some heavy lifting, cleaning, bar-tending, waitressing, etc...
i recently got a pedometer and based on it's readings this past week, i average about 9,000 steps/day and i'm always below my calorie limit. however i think i've reached a plateau and i'm not sure how to get around it. i've recently started doing some aerobic exercises on my days off, and i've read that i should 'zig-zag' my caloric intake every so often but, i'm curious as to what you ladies do when this happens.
Date: 9/15/2009 11:10:07 PM
Author: tap02150
This is a reply to a common misconception that i read;
here is the true FACT: Only after 6 weeks of moderate/intense lifting, or any other type of stress on the muscles, does one start to build muscle.
So, when you start hitting the gym, for the first 6 weeks you will not build muscle mass. So people ask the questions, 1) How come I can see muscle strength gains, and 2) How come I see size increase?
Answers: 1) For the first 6 weeks of a resistance training program, you body recruits more muscle fibers to be used by increasing the number of nerves that stimulate the muscle. Example, say i havent worked out in 2 years. I go to the gym and do a bicep curl. I am only using about 40% of the muscle fibers that I have. (the muscle is not used to getting all this stimulus, thats why). SO the next time i go to the gym, my muscles say, we need more help, and the nerves ''recruit'' more muscle fibers, NOW im using 50% of my muscle fibers. So remember, it will take a commitment of 6 weeks before you start adding muscle. (This is done through a process where proteins pack the muscle.. for another day lol)
Answer numbero 2) During your workout, and about 2 hours afterwards your muscles are filled with blood and other fluids to increase the supply of oxygen and other nutrients. (we know that muscles are HOGS for blood.. in need of o2 and nutrients. This fluid is similar to the fluid when you sprain your ankle. To heal, blood and fluid fills around the area (it gets HUGE). This happens to muscles.. because you are breaking down the muscle fibers with micro-tears, fluid fills the muscle area, and people feel like their muscles are bloated or bigger. This can last up to a day or 2 at the most.
So a possible solution why someone is going to the gym and not losing weight: An hour a day at the gym lifting weights is equal to burning about 250-470 calories, depending on rest taken. You go home, had a great work out and reward yourself with a nice dunkin donuts coolatta. 410 calories. BAM see ya work out =/
The good news is, after 6 weeks of lifting, the muscle you gain will increase your metabolism, and the calories you burn while resting and doing every day activities will increase more than the works you do!
Good tip to remember for first time starters trying to lose weight: Lift weights, stay with it! but also add cardio to burn calories. Lift 3-4 days a week, cardio 3 days a week+ More importantly: HEALTHY CHOICES- dam that coolatta! lol
-Ted