why doesn't it seem to be working??

i'm 12 weeks post partum. i've been going to the gym since 6 weeks.

i go 3-5 days a week. i usually do 45-60 min of cardio and 30-45 minutes of weights. i don't overdo it and i don't underdo it. my heartrate is at a good level when i'm working out.

so why aren't the pounds dropping off, even slowly? i'm eating well. not too much and not too little. i still have about 15 pounds of just baby weight to lose and i have regular weight to lose as well.

my long term goal is 25 pounds. that's over many months

it's just so frustrating because i'm working so hard and so consistently and i would expect to lose a pound a week or at least every other week. nothing too crazy!

this is why i've always given up in the past. i'm committed to losing this weight, but i'm so frustrated

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

If you are losing 1 -2 lbs per week then you are doing great. I've worked with several women trying to lose baby weight and unless you really have a lot to go, 1-2 lbs is the average that I've seen.

Just keep it up - maybe add a little intensity - increase weights, or add an incline on cardio. Good luck!

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

First of all, don't give up. Secondly, forget the friggin scale. Go by how you feel and how your clothes fit. Next, maybe you need to change what you are doing because maybe your body is used to what you are doing. Also, you might be taking in more calories than you think and the calories burned may just be evening out.

ETA: I just re-read your op...you've only been going for 6 weeks, right? Give it time!!!

ETA part 2: What kind of cardio are you doing?

Message edited 9/27/2008 8:50:26 PM.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Posted by browneyedgirl

Posted by CoachC

If you are losing 1 -2 lbs per week then you are doing great. I've worked with several women trying to lose baby weight and unless you really have a lot to go, 1-2 lbs is the average that I've seen.

Just keep it up - maybe add a little intensity - increase weights, or add an incline on cardio. Good luck!

that's the thing. i'm NOT losing 1-2 pounds! that's what i hope for. i'm not losing anything

DH says i'm looking smaller on bottom, but the number on the scale hasn't budged

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

I am sorry you are feeling frustrated. I have to say though I think you are phenomenal for having started a routine 6 weeks post-partum and working so hard to lose that weight

The above suggestions are great but I agree you need to give it time. Our bodies need time to lose weight and I would think that's even more true after what your body has been through.

Keep up the great work

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

thanks everyone

i do the elliptical for 30-45 minutes. i start out low and every 5 or so minutes increase the intensity. the last 10-15 minutes i'm doing it as hard as i can. i hate the bike and treadmill---i feel like i get such a better workout on the elliptical.

as for weights--i do arms one day and legs the next and try to do abs every day if i can. i do enough weight that i can do 10, 12 and 15 reps of each. when i used to go to a personal trainer, that's what he had me doing. sometimes i have to pause in the middle, but i always finish it.

what do you think?

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

The elliptical is deceiving, to be honest. Try the treadmill again.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Try rotating the treadmill and elliptical. The elliptical will be easier on your knees. Plus maybe try throwing in just some basic aerobics as well like a step tape or something. Your body may be used to your routine.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Does your gym have classes? Sometimes that's the best way to get a kick start if you don't want to meet with a trainer.

If you really need to stick to the elliptical, do intervals instead of going at one speed or increasing over time. Either use whatever preset interval program is on there, or try this - 4 minutes going really hard, then back off for 2 minutes and keep repeating that for the time you're on there.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Also, don't just go by your weight. By working out and lifting weights you are gaining muscle which adds lbs. Don't let that stop you from doing weights though. Instead of only focusing on the pounds you want to lose, focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit, how your body looks in general, etc.

I've also been told by trainers to do weights first, then cardio.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

What are you eating? Try eating more quality protein with every meal. eat every 2-3 hours to speed up your metabolism.

Are you breastfeeding? This could also be a factor.

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Re: why doesn't it seem to be working??

Drink lots of water and eat lots of vegetables, fruit, salad, and mix up your exercise routine. Good luck!!