working out, eating right and still gaining weight
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  • 09-30-2008 11:08 AM
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    • bbielk
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    working out, eating right and still gaining weight

    What can I be doing wrong? I am eating what I should be and working out at curves I am a very active person so I don't have time to sit and take a break. I started taking Alli December 07' and lost 6 lbs by February since then I have gain 10 lbs. Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong. 

  • 09-30-2008 2:23 PM In reply to
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    • KelliCalabrese
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    Re: working out, eating right and still gaining weight

    Hi bbielk,

    Thanks for writing and welcome to the alli fitness forum.  It sounds like you're trying very hard by eating right and exercising to meet your weight loss goals.  I cannot tell you exactly what is going on, but I can give you a few pointers and suggestions.

    Firstly, I would ask you how many times per week that you're exercising?  To lose weight, it is recommended that you workout on most days of the week, meaning 5-6 days per week.  Additionally, it is really important that you're getting your heart rate up to about 75%+, an intensity that will promote and maximize caloric expenditure and fat-burning.  The alli website provides a place to calculate your THR (target heart rate).  You should do your best to stay in that THR for 30+ minutes.  If you are at a fitness level where that isn't not doable, go for as long as you can, even if it is only for a few minutes, and then recover and do it again! Anytime that you increase the intensity of your workout by increasing the elevation, speed or resistance, you will burn more calories per session than at a slow, steady pace.  Try adding hills into your walks, 2-3 minutes of jogging/running, skipping rope between exercises, jumping on a mini-tramp for a couple of minutes, or increasing your weights 5% every couple of weeks.  Adding intervals of higher intensity exercises will really jump start your metabolism and take your workout to a whole new level.

    That said, I would really encourage you to include a variety of different workouts.  Since you mentioned that you've been going to Curves for quite some time, it may be time to change up your routine.  Join a local Boot Camp!  These are very, very effective in burning significant calories and taking your body into different energy systems by incorporating cardio bursts, strengthening/toning exercises, plymetrics and core/balance work.  Try a Spin class, go hiking, biking, try a new & fun video like Yoga Booty Ballet, and for sure begin a regular, strength training program.  Ideally, aside from cardio, you should be getting in 2-3 full-body workouts of strength training per week, each session lasting 25-35 minutes.  The alli website provides helpful, animated demos for a very effective full-body workout and gives you information re: reps, sets, etc.  All you need (if you don't belong to a gym) is a FitBall, exercise bands and dumbbells and you're set! 

    Lastly, if you find that none of the above works and you've been very faithful and consistent for several months, there can be other physiological factors that cause weight loss resistance.  Adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance can all reap havok on your weight and over-all well-being. You can go to your family doctor and have these conditions explained to you at length, and a simple blood or saliva test can let you know if you're dealing with any of these issues!

    Keep up the great work, stay positive and keep me posted with your progress!

    Yours in health,

    Kelli 

  • 10-02-2008 9:25 AM In reply to
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    • bbielk
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    Re: working out, eating right and still gaining weight

     Thank you Kelli. I have been thinking about adding in walking to my workouts. As for burning calories with Curves I have been burning between 450 to 500 since I joined Sep. 3, 2008. I go about 4 to 5 times a week and the 2 other days I am working around my place. I will start walking today and see what happens. Thank you again.

  • 10-02-2008 9:50 PM In reply to
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    • KelliCalabrese
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    • Moderator

    Re: working out, eating right and still gaining weight

    Hi bbielk, 

    You are more than welcome!  Do include the additional days of walking and remember to include other types of workouts!

    Feel free to ask any and all questions that you may have re: health and fitness! 

    Best of luck and keep me posted!

    Kelli

  • 11-12-2008 1:24 PM In reply to
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    • margeryv
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    Re: working out, eating right and still gaining weight

    I thought I was active too but it wasn't consistent, then I discovered something as simple as walking . I walk fast an hour each day or at least 4-5 times a week. There is NO WAY you won't see body changes and weight loss. It has really motivated me to continue on. I have lost 30 pounds since July..didn't start walking til Aug. I have lost 3 inches in my hips an 2 in my tummy and waist.My legs look great again !! I find I can't cheat a little on food too, but portion control is the main key.Make sure your cal/fat count is correct for you too.

    I am a 61 yr old Grma, so if I can do it , so can you!!! Have fun and look at it like a "life style change" and not a diet..I went into this reasoning that if I lost only a pound a week that would be OK and healthy and that it would stay off better than these other crack pot diets that are water weight loss or you lose so fast you get ill.

    Nothing against Curves , but working out can get boring , while walking outside is fun.

  • 11-12-2008 10:48 PM In reply to
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    • PaulLauer
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    Re: working out, eating right and still gaining weight

     Hi Margervy,

    Good For you!  You positive attitude should really be a motivational tool for others. I love your spunk and others should learn from it!

    Keep up the good work and keep me posted.  I'm sure that you will achieve your goals.

    Good Luck,

    Paul

     

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