Have to Stop STS...My clothes don't fit!!!

B

bonbon

Active Member
I've completed my 3rd week of Meso 2 and my clothes either don't fit or are extremely tight! Previously, I was a Gap/Banana Republic size 0/2 and 119 lbs. Yesterday, I was trying on new clothes at Banana Republic and I had to move up to the 4's and even some of them were tight. I'm now about 126 lbs. I've been careful with my diet (I carefully read all the threads about STS results) and did Cathe Shock Cardio and Turbo Fire on my off days.

I so wanted a lean/defind look, but now I just look bulky and bloated and have lost the muscle definition I had before. My head looks so small now on my torso because my shoulders have gotten so huge for my frame. I'm 5'4" with a medium frame.

I'm going back to Tracie Long/Firm AWT and Barre workouts with Cathe Hi-rep workouts for variety. I really liked STS and it was an empowering feeling finishing a workout, but I hate looking in the mirror now and getting dressed in the morning is a nightmare for me. To be fair, I had a similar result with P90X several years ago.

I guess my body is not meant to have a nice cosmetic result with these types of workouts. I did pre-order Cathe's new program and am looking forward to those. I'm justed bummed out that I spent so much money on the program and the equiptment used in the program (i.e. slanted risers, tower of power, weighted gloves, heavy weights). Maybe I'll figure out a way to use this program in a way that will work for my body. It is an awesome program.
 
I had the same problem and only lasted 3 weeks into meso 1 because of it the first time I tried STS.

Fast forward to about a year later (maybe more?) and I am more then 2/3's of the way through the 5.5 month rotation (about a week out from completing M2) and this time around, what you describe has not happened to me at all. The reason? I added extra cardio and that seemed to solve the problem and I am very happy with my results!

Just something to consider in the future! :)
 
bonbon, It is unfortunate when you don't care for some of the results you get when you invest time & money into something. I do try to find out what goals are important and see what fits. This year I started out with Gym Styles (and I really wanted to do them) and I knew after two weeks it just wasn't good to continue with 3 day splits, and I knew that there were other things I needed to work on, other goals to achieve.

Don't feel bad about the cost, at the time you chose, it was what you wanted to do. I had left my rebounder collect dust for well over 2 years before it became the best thing and fit right into what I was doing (okay it cost $49 but it still made me feel bad that I got it and didn't use it) Now it's an essential piece of equipment.

There are many ways to reach the goals you want, be flexible enough to try things that aren't traditional. You know that if you want strength-building you can do that and you have the stuff, though it may be after you do some other things. I so much wanted start running years ago when I started Cathe, there were programs, the Prevention 6-8 weeks, various other C25K, Chi, it took a lot of other things to get me to the point of not being totally aggravated by the treadmill, finally. (my treadmill also sat for an exceptionally long time, but it's a $25 garage sale special that goes round and round) Total Gym, now incline slant board (we've had TG for over a decade)

Just trying to offer a little consolation. HTH.:)
 
Last edited:
I also had this happen to me the first time around, since then I have completed STS twice and have gotten amazing results. What works for me is to do cardio on the upper body days after completing STS and do 60 min of cardio the other 2 days. I will sometimes add another cardio day on the weekend when time allows. I also purchased a wt lifting bench so that I could lift as much as possible and that has made a huge difference, I now have nice muscle definition in all my muscles!! You should try STS again and add more cardio to see if this makes a difference.
 
I did do 4 cardio workouts a week (Cathe Shock Cardio, Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, Cardio Coach) in addition to the 6-8 30-45 min dog walks a week. I think I'm going to try to banish the bloat by doing some Tracie Long/Firm, barre workouts, High Rep Cathe for a few weeks. Then I'll go back to STS and alternate a week of STS and then a week of the above workouts and see how that works for me.

I'm by no means bashing STS. I think it's the best of it's kind. I just with my body responded to it differently!
 
bonbon said:
I'm by no means bashing STS. I think it's the best of it's kind. I just with my body responded to it differently!
Click to expand...

You never came off as bashing so no worries. Didn't think that for a minute. Sorry it didn't work for you. By all means-do what is best for your body and what makes you happy! :)
 
Are you sure the bloating was caused by doing STS?

bonbon said:
I think I'm going to try to banish the bloat by ...
Click to expand...

If you have become bloated doing this program, you might want to check with your doctor that there is nothing medical causing this.
 
Well, at least you tried the program. Some are so afraid of getting bulky they won't even see how their body responds. Its good that you gave it a good solid effort and now you know its just not for you. I had the same effects but do love the workouts. I just use them differently. For meso 1, I will only do half of each lifting workout and do 30 minutes of cardio afterwards. For meso 2: I will do cardio during the 3 minute rest breaks inbetween sets like jumping rope, hop on my elliptical, or jumping jacks. I don't really do meso 3 ever except for plyo legs as I don't like that style of lifting. Anyways, just be happy you tried it and take it as a learning experience.
 
your Vf comments are just too funny bonbon,

thanks for the laugh. :)

the only thing worse than clothes drama is perm trauma!
 
I know strength workouts are very important (especially for my advanced age...44!), but I'm not evolved enough to not have any vanity about how I look in my clothes! If I'm gonna work hard, I want great results all around and Look "my" most smashingest!!!

I've been doing Tracie Long and Firm workouts this week and I'm feeling a difference. I also went back to Banana Republic and actually bought some things (with sizes all over the place!).
 
I don't think you have to lift HEAVY in order to reap the basic health benefits of weight training so as long as you are doing a weight work out of any type you are doing fine in that regard! So that being said...do what makes you happy and what makes you look as smashing as you possibly can!!! :);)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top