Muscle Mass - Gaining Muscle

WOW - I have done lots of reading today on weight training and the impacts on the muscle groups. I can say I have learned alot, especially about recovery and the effects on muscles. The more you read, the more confusing it can get!

Learned alot about lactic acid and the swelling of muscles while working out - the retention of fluids (water/blood) being pumped to the muscles for recovery and more. Articles say if you've pulled a tough workout and you are still feeling fatigue/soreness, STAY OFF THE SCALE. Well, many people think after an intense workout, JUMP ON THE SCALE. We all tend to think we will weigh less - I know I do! Well, our bodies can store up to 6 pounds of fluid (or more dependent on the person) to aid in muscle recovery. SO, I am staying off the scale again! I am feeling the soreness and fatigue and I want to trust the process.

The publishers also say the muscles will swell and can throw off measurements if you use that as a way of tracking weight loss goals. That is why professionals suggest only doing it once a month vs. daily. The measurements can fluctuate greatly dependent on each person's regimen! Very good info to say the least. My head hurts right now.

Honestly, when I got back from vacation, I had taken a rest week, outside of my walks and daily lunges/squats with NO weights. I cannot fathom how I gained 5 pounds! I did not eat the best, but I just cannot see gaining that much in 6 days. I started eating clean immediately upon our return. SO, some of this is making sense. My body has not had a solid week of rest for awhile now. It may have needed those 6 days to recover from months of heavy lifting and I may have gained some muscle. My measurements have increased in my thighs again, approx 1/2 inch. I am freaking out a bit because I don't know if it is muscle or fat. My hubby reassured me that it would be immensely difficult to gain 1/2 inch of fat in each thigh in such a short timeframe, especially considering my crazy workouts. He's witnessed them and sometimes cannot keep up. Either way, I panicked yesterday and needed some reassurance. I want more muscle, so if it means going up a size in clothing, I will. BUT, I do not want to go up in size and find out later that the jiggle has returned. WOW!

Okay, I am beat tired! TMI for me today!

Have a great night!
Coach Gator :)

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HELLO!

WOW - Working to ramp up my coaching biz has been keeping me really busy!!! So much has happened since my last post - don't know where to begin!!

I am currently doing a hybrid of Beachbody's P90X regimen along with my own personal strength training routine. Combined, I am starting to see some positive results!!!!

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To Getting Fit,
Gator