Can you all help me out??

[RippedRipa]

Hi ladies!

I posted this over on the Ask Cathe forum, but since you all are always so knowledgeable and helpful, I wanted to post it here for your thoughts and ideas. I could really use some advice! Thanks!!

Hi! I first want to say that I am TOTALLY enjoying the new workouts...they're just SO much fun!! Thank you!

I have a small problem, though. I've been an avid exerciser for many years now. For most of that time, I did the firm workouts. But then I was introduced to your workouts back in August and have been a die hard fan ever since. When I did the firm, I used about the same weights as I do now (and I can pretty much keep up with what you call in the workouts, and sometimes I even go heavier). The problem is, ever since I've been doing your workouts, I feel far more challenged and much more fit than I was before...but I don't fit into any of my pants anymore! I've gained a few pounds, but I really don't think it's that much muscle b/c I have used heavier weights for a while now. I'm not sure what to do, my diet is very clean and I study nutrition, so I don't have much of a problem there. Do you have any thoughts? My typical workout schedule is 60-90 min workouts, 6 days per week. My weeks typically look like this:

M - total body weights or circuit
T - cardio
W - total body weights or circuit
R - cardio
F - total body weights or circuit
Sat - cardio
Sun - rest

Or this:

M - lower body weights
T - upper body weights (add cardio if time)
W - cardio
R - lower body weights
F - upper body weights (add cardio if time)
Sat - cardio
Sun - rest

I know I am working out much harder now than I used to, and I really do feel more fit. But I have gained pounds and inches and I know I have gained more body fat than muscle. I'm so sorry this is terribly long, but if you have any thoughts or ideas, I would really appreciate it!!! I would like to get my lean body back and lose these 5-6 pounds

Thank you so much!

 

[juniorjet]

I recommend the book, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto. (It's an ebook.) It'll teach you how to optimally titrate your diet/exercise program so that it moves in the direction you want it to move.

Personally, I'd suggest the "less is more" approach. Look at what you are doing and what you are eating in terms of quality vs. quantity. Maybe down the volume of your workout program (but not necessarily the intensity) so you are less hungry and can stand to take a surgical blade to your diet.

Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[Kat25]

When it comes to eating, I am so not the person to give advice but maybe you could post your daily typical menu and approximate daily caloric intake and I'm sure the girls will help you out.

Also, by reading a lot of posts regarding this issue, I noticed that some had better results by inserting an extra rest day and actually cutting down workout time.

Kathy

" They say hard work does not hurt anybody, but why take the chance."

 

[JT]

My suggestion is talk to your physcian. He may have a few ideas why this is happening, of course, after bloodwork and numerous questions.