YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Working Out; Month 8

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Working Out; Month 8 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:41:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php texstyle on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8/page/2#post-1312157 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:37:47 +0000 texstyle 1312157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, it sounds like you are doing really great with your exercise and fitness/health routine. I think IK is right to maybe consider a trainer and be sure to be really clear with your goals with that person. Visit a local gym and ask to meet with one or two trainers just for a quick consult. Gaining muscle does come with a weight increase for most people I think. Maybe not on Biggest Loser where they have a full staff overseeing every aspect of your diet, exercise and general routine - but in real life we typically will gain muscle first, then maybe trim some fat slowly as we reach various peaks. I also do not own a scale and do not worry too much about weight - I get weighed at the doc's office and that's enough for me. And having classmates who want to compare sizes or weight numbers must be so frustrating!  Maybe just tell them you've matured past that need? The number doesn't matter. It's how you look and feel.  Laurinda on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1312148 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:33:00 +0000 Laurinda 1312148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfortunately we don't make a clear distinction between 'weight' as in fat vs. muscle. Muscle gain is good!  The current theories seem to suggest that size, weight, or even total cholesterol (as long as not overly high) are less important health stats than blood triglycerides, HDL and how long you can do a plank ! And calorie intake is looking to be less important than carb/protein/fat grams and ratios.  ETA: Image on why BMI is misleading with weight training. Echo on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1311758 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 02:59:39 +0000 Echo 1311758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Anna that body image is a really difficult thing to work through, especially when there are cultural constraints on what we feel is "acceptable" for ourselves. You are stronger, inside and out, and that makes a huge difference in so many aspects of life. It is hard to reconcile sometimes, but that inner and outer strength both will serve you well throughout your life. Not being able to walk a block or carry your own groceries puts you at tremendous risk of a lot of ailments, which you already know. Good for you for doing what's right for your body and mind.  Gracie on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1311712 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 02:30:45 +0000 Gracie 1311712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, I'm so happy that you are getting stronger and fit, more power to you, and yes kindness to oneself is a must. What do you mean by "at baseline"? Are you eating 1500-1800 cal. and then burning 300-800? If so, then your body would hold on to weight because it thinks it's starving. Forgive me if I'm misinterpreting the info. A couple of years ago I kept track of my food and exercise for one full year with myfitnesspal.com. I also created detailed charts where I could see calories consumed and calories burned and recorded my weight daily. Every time I ate too little, the weight line would go flat or up, over and over. I learned I had to eat well and yes, that includes carbs. Muscle adds weight, of course, but hard to think 20 pounds would be all muscle gain in 8 months, but then I'm not an expert, just throwing different scenarios. Hopefully your Dr's appmt. will shed some light. And, yeah, you are beautiful no matter what size/ weight you are. Please keep us posted! Glory on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1310174 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 19:49:44 +0000 Glory 1310174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn I sure do get this but want to add that the fitness and strength trumps! Also you are very beautiful inside and out! xoxo All  your friends here support you 100%. lyn* on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1310108 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 18:20:09 +0000 lyn* 1310108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ Dianthus - Good point! But I'm starting to think that someone who judges me for anything really is hiding behind rocks or something ... or doesn't exist. @ Anna - Thank you very much. It is somewhat difficult, but I feel better than I have ever felt before, and I need to focus on that. @ Isis - It helps to move away from the family :) @ Neel - My dad is very reluctantly okay with me working out, so I just don't tell him about it. It's like my secret rebellion. HAHAHA. Neel on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309637 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 08:41:16 +0000 Neel 1309637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh boy .... I understand that Asian mentality so well! My mum never allowed me to join gyms because she thought I would become all muscly and then I won't find a boy for myself o_O. I was overweight for most part of my life. Parents can sometimes be the most annoying people on the planet! Isis on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309241 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:55:24 +0000 Isis 1309241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, thanks for explaining.  It's hard to move away from family messages.  And I love what Anna said.  Be well. Janet on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309165 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 20:55:09 +0000 Janet 1309165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anna, great way to put it. Ditto. annagybe on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309147 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 20:43:31 +0000 annagybe 1309147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know you have struggled with body image, so it brave of you to confront this. Personally I would rather be stronger. If that makes me bigger then so be it. You are doing amazingly well considering all the stresses of residency. Be kind to yourself. cheryle (Dianthus) on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309135 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 20:36:47 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1309135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, would you really want to be with a man who judged you by your size rather than your intelligence, wit and dedication to everything you do? I think not. lyn* on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309128 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 20:29:31 +0000 lyn* 1309128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you everyone for your very thoughtful replies; it's given me a lot of food for thought, as I chew down my sushi here... @ Dianthus - I have started to think about why some patients are so fit at 50 or 60, and asked them what their life has been like. They definitely were fit in their 20's and 30's as well - I have definitely taken the inspiration from them to get everything in order early on! @ Isis - I think it might be cultural, but the waif thin girl is always "super feminine" and asian girls are always "stick skinny" - so it's moving away from that which makes it kind of a struggle for me. The other day my parents were very concerned I had started to use a heavier kettle bell because they were like, "No one is going to want you if you're all bulky!!!!!" @ Ironkurtain - Should I just go ask around for recommendations? Is there a Yelp for trainers? @ Kellygirl - Wheee! Thanks :) @ Suz - I'm slightly worried I'll horrify a nutritionist with what I eat. Maybe I'll find one through a clinic I never go to. Haha. @ Gigi - It might be the cake. I like cake. @ Neel - Yes! I remember when I was a size 0 I couldn't walk a block. Not a city block. A small town block that is shorter than maybe 200 meters without being short of breath. It was horrific. I couldn't make it to my undergrad classes on time because the campus was too big and I'd have to sit and rest. Ughhhhh... I probably still can't run very far in an emergency, but I can climb stairs! @ Anne - Thanks for understanding Haha; the boob thing was weird... and I think that might be part of it too. I don't know that many petite asian women with boobs. :p @ Casually Classical - Your'e 100% right. My doctor hat would congratulate my patient and tell them to keep up the good work and to lay off the cake. I like cake. Mmm. Cake. @ Rabbit - That might explain the boob thing. I may be a rapid metabolizer, but I used to not eat very much as a undergrad or in my early 20's - I restricted to under 500 calories a day to maintain the size 2 weight, which I know is terrible and very unhealthy and you will die if you just eat an apple a day. (Doesn't keep the doctor away). rabbit on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1309108 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 19:57:14 +0000 rabbit 1309108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One other thing that occurs to me, if you are moving from the mid-20's into the 30's my experience is that there can be significant physical changes then (I got breasts at that point for the first time, and put on about 10-15 lbs while having just as active a lifestyle and eating healthier food.   I attributed these to hormones and aging out of a teenagers/college student metabolism (which is kind of extraordinary, but also short lived).  Classically Casual on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308951 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 16:14:57 +0000 Classically Casual 1308951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ lyn*, put on your doctor hat when you think about this and you'll be fine. There are SO many benefits to weight training beyond anything to do with vanity.  Being able to function well in an emergency situation, osteoporosis prevention, being better able to withstand an auto accident, increased confidence because when heavy furniture needs to be moved you can actually help, getting your carry-on into the overhead bin without help, feeling better physically and mentally, more restorative sleep, the list goes on. And congrats for getting to month 8!! anne on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308842 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 13:52:49 +0000 anne 1308842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, I just wanted to say that you are looking really fab at the moment. And gosh I wish working out would increase my bust by 4 inches  ( I think that was just a coincidence maybe related to your age)  I don't think you need to worry at all. I do understand to some extent the comparision thing. I know plenty of really petite asian woman! Neel on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308819 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 13:19:29 +0000 Neel 1308819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Reading with great interest Lyn. I think being fit and strong is definitely more important than being waif like. I am working harder to get stronger, because I realized I couldn't run even half a km without almost passing out! What's the point fitting into a size 2 dress when in an emergency I can't even run to save my life?! Gigi on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308622 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 03:03:19 +0000 Gigi 1308622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sorry about the weight gain, Lyn. It can be hard when we're used to being a particular size and then have to size up. Especially when it's just a side effect of doing something good for ourselves! I like your idea of seeing a nutritionist. It may be that some small changes—like changing when you eat your meals or when you exercise, or what types of food you eat—might help you lose a little weight without negating your great strides in overall health. And I like the idea of a consult with a personal trainer too, to make sure that your workouts are burning the most calories possible. At least then you will have more information about the situation. Suz on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308566 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 02:01:04 +0000 Suz 1308566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's awesome that you have committed yourself to getting stronger and healthier! Please try to remember that style is not a size. If your work would subsidize a trainer it is a great idea to work with one for a short time! You can clarify your goals, and get some support. A nutritional consultation would also be great. It can be very challenging to eat in a healthy way when you are as busy as you are. But there are a few tricks that can help make it easier. I wish I had done what you are doing when I was your age. Instead I waited until I was much older. I am glad I did it at all.  Oh, by the way, like Janet I do not own a scale. I do take occasional measurements. And I do vary my exercise plan and increase challenges.  kellygirl on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308464 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:55:41 +0000 kellygirl 1308464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great that you are fit and healthy. I'd choose that over being a waif any day of the week. Go, lyn! ironkurtin on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308456 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:44:59 +0000 ironkurtin 1308456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to say that a trainer could help you reconcile many of your goals and determine what is and is not feasible for your body and your lifestyle.  When you find a good one they are worth every dime. Also, forgive me for offending, but f--- sizes. Isis on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308445 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:33:07 +0000 Isis 1308445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess I don't see why being a size 6 or a size 8 (or 10 or 12 or.....) is bad? You are stronger and firmer.  Your body occupies more volume, and .......? I understand this sentence, "In order for my body to physically be able to do the workouts, I can't be waif thin like my classmates. " but then why the sad face?  Can you turn this sentence around to an empowering sentence by just leaving off the sad face? cheryle (Dianthus) on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308361 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 21:51:23 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1308361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I would rather be a size 6 or 8 and be able to squat 100 lbs than be a size 2 and need help with everything that required strength.  I also agree that the sizing is totally whacked and meaningless.  I remember being a size 2-4 and weighing 110 lbs and not fitting into a size 12.  That didn't make me any bigger than I was before I tried it on - it just proved that the manufacturer had no quality control. Besides the benefit of the strength and health now, you are also helping to maintain your health in the future and when you are hitting your 50s and 60s, your body and bone mass will be a reflection of the time, effort, and dedication you have put into your fitness regime. Good for you Lyn.   lyn* on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308318 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 20:53:35 +0000 lyn* 1308318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ Mo - You are right MOre often than not I think my evolutionary sense is rearing its ugly head; I definitely do feel a lot of joy about being stronger and faster than I have been! @ Janet - Thank you for sharing your story with me; I also have things all the way from a size 2 to a size 10 in my closet right now, and I try not to look at the numbers. It's challenging not being a consistent size 4 all the time. And when people ask what size I am it's like ... uh; well, my measurements say 8, but really, I am a 4-6 sort of. :p Maybe I should tell them to go mind their own beeswax instead! @ Celeste - Thank you very much for your support. I have a doctor's appointment coming up, so I'll just run it by her anyway. She thought I was too light at 130 anyway. @ Rabbit - It's a really good point to bring up all the terrible things about being under weight. Being able to sit and carry my own groceries 2 km home from the grocery store (including 6 L of milk in 2L jugs) is pretty awesome. I am less reliant on my car. I am less worried about osteoporosis in the long-term; and I have muscle mass to rely on incase I get sick. @ Lara - I suppose we all have different caloric intakes; I have found that about 1700 works the best for me. I find it a challenge to eat more food than this, especially with my work schedule (no lunch break, early start, no breaks period - haha; sometimes I work continuously from 0630 to 2000 - and then on duty until 0900 the next morning; depending how busy it is I might not actually get to eat all day. Keeping hydrated is a big challenge). I will look into getting a personal trainer (my work will subsidize this up to $500/yr); and I may see a nutritionist, but my eating is pretty sporadic. @ Kiwigal - Thanks for your kind words A late welcome to the forum and I hope we will be able to know each other better on this next leg of life! Sal on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308309 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 20:41:43 +0000 Sal 1308309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am relatively new on the forum so don't know your journey in full. If you are strong and healthy and toned and fit you will be looking great. And setting up great habits for the future. Keep up the wonderful work! Mo on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308235 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:41:29 +0000 Mo 1308235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not to hijack, but I'm really liking this "Mo is right" theme today  Can I frame this for my BF, who likes to be right much more than I do, but often isn't - giggle giggle! Anonymous on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308230 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:27:17 +0000 Anonymous 1308230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the majority of people believe that exercising burns a lot of calories, but unless you are a pro athlete, exercising does not burn as many calories as you think. The important thing is to change up your exercise routine on a regular basis because once your muscles become acclimated the law of diminishing returns kicks in. Also it seems like your calric intake is low ( to me anyway) and if your body senses you will not burn as many calories. I am 57 and at 5'8" i am around 135 to 140lbs and take in about 1800 to 2000 calories a day. I work out seriously 5 days a week for about an hour a day. But I also am not sedentary for the remainder of the day, often mobile cleaning house, walking the dog, shopping, etc. It is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to rule out any reasons for the weight gain, but would also recommend consulting a exercise trainer and/or dietician to help tweek your routine and make the extra weight come off. Finally, I too don't focus on the scale. I am fit and trim with no flab thanks to exercising. What is most important is that you are healthy and no belly fat. rabbit on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308181 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:59:48 +0000 rabbit 1308181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly if you are strong and in good shape physically (aerobically and in terms of toning and flexibility) and your height and weight are proportionate, you are doing really well.   Exercise improves skin color and tone as well as how your arms, legs, and waist/tummy/backside look and your posture for example. Being a medium size means you have an endless variety of clothing options.   Maybe think back and remember all the issues you had with being underweight that led you to make a change, both at the time and what the impact could have had on your future health. oops cross-posted. ETA: and what Janet says:  I have clothes in my closet that say XS, S, M, L, 1X, Petite, long, size 12-8 and I wore them all this year, they all fit :P LACeleste on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308179 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:57:38 +0000 LACeleste 1308179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo is right (again).  I really like the thought of keeping your eye on the prize.  Health and strength are worth everything. I really do understand where you are coming from Lyn and hope you gain perspective and acceptance.  You are beautiful! Definitely follow through on your future plan.  Always gives piece of mind to have things checked out.   Janet on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308170 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:49:17 +0000 Janet 1308170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, I know what you mean too. But it's really unproductive to get caught up in the numbers. I lost weight just before I got married and reached a goal size. Then over the following 5-7 years, my weight and size crept up because I was mostly sedentary. Now, I'm regularly very active and much stronger and healthier than I was for my pre-wedding weight loss, but I weigh more. I also remind myself that I'm a decade older and hormonal changes, etc., mean my body is changing in other ways. Would I like to get back to 135 lbs again? Sure. But not at the expense of the strength, health, and stamina I have gained through running, biking and swimming. I eat as I please, in moderation. My blood pressure and all my stats are very good, and with a family with as much heart disease as mine has, that's a huge deal. So I don't own a scale, and I try not to get caught up in the numbers. I grit my teeth a bit when I have to size up to a 8 or a 10 or a L or whatever, but there are still other things in my closet that are S or even XS, which makes you realize that all of these numbers and measurements are ARBITRARY. One retailer/designer's XS is another's XL. I'm not even exaggerating -- I'm an XS in something from Eileen Fisher and might be an XL in something from, say, Forever 21. Here's the truly important thing: you're healthier and happier now. You are developing habits that set you up for a lifetime of strength and fitness. It's really impressive what you've accomplished. And you still LOOK absolutely fantastic in your photos and wear your clothes beautifully. I say keep on keeping on, and work on letting go of the obsession over the numbers. I know it's hard because I'm still working on that too. Mo on "Working Out; Month 8" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-out-month-8#post-1308135 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:50:19 +0000 Mo 1308135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This resonates with me.  My changes aren't as dramatic, but I do weigh more than I did last year in Tahoe, and yet I am more fit and have more muscle.  It is wise to keep our eye on the prize - good health and fitness.  It's hard to let numbers and sizes go in that effort to be fitter.  But it's pretty awesome to get stronger or faster or more limber.