Just started working out...

[jessicalykwan84]

Hey guys, I just started working out like a mth ago...and very consistent at it. I do those group classes, as well as weight training with a personal trainer but I found a bit of changes with my body. I'm not sure what's going on so it'll be great if someone could tell me what's going on.

First of all, I always had a bit of a constipation problem and lots of people told me that exercising would definitely help, but it hasn't at all. If it's anything, I find that my situation has worsen.

Secondly, I find myself eating alot more, which I guess is natural since I'm burning off the calories and my body is asking for more. But why do I feel like I'm gaining weight? Like my jeans on the legs feel tighter, my tummy gets really bloated, especially my lower abs...its like huge compared to before.

Thirdly, how long does it take to see results? The reason I really joined the gym is because of my flat bum, but I already see abit cellulite on my butt and hamstrings...I'm on 24 years old and a very slim female...5'4.5" and around 100-103 lbs. I'm thinking my weight probably increase since I've started working out.

Anyway, any insight would be helpful!

Thanks,
Jess

[missmelinda]

Constipation - Exercising does usually help with that, but you need to be sure you're getting the daily amount of fiber that your body needs.

Eating more - That will also happen when you're more active because your body is burning more calories. Just be sure you're eating healthy calories and not crap foods all day. Watch your sugar intake especially. Sugar can really bloat your belly.

Flat bum - Do squats! Squats are awesome for building up your booty.

As for noticing results - Take pictures every couple of weeks or so. If you are working out regularly and eating healthy you should be able to see differences within a matter of weeks. Pay NO attention to the number on your scale. If you're building muscle, your weight may increase a bit. At 5'4" and 100-103 lbs I wouldn't worry about your weight at this point. I'm 5'7 and am 135 lbs...and I don't want to be much smaller than I am right now. Just pay attention to how your body looks, not how much you weigh.

[LaurenRochelle]

I'd honestly not even bother with a scale, I'm also a very tiny person (5'1 1/2, 112 lbs) ... taking pictures weekly is a good way to do it, you can also "measure" your progress. Your pants are probably fitting tight around the thigh due to muscle gain ... the legs can build up muscle alot faster than the rest of the body. Hopping on a scale once a week will only discourage you, between watergain and muscle mass, you'll be heavier in a few months ... but you'll look good. The watergain/bloating issue is either due to too much sugar in your diet (stop drinking soda and proccessed "fruit" drinks). It can also be attributed to dehydration... your body will store any liquid it can because its not getting enough water/electrolytes after your workout. Be sure to chug chug a lug that water/sports drink before, during, and after your workouts .... the worst thing that could happen is mad dashes to the bathroom every 20 minutes for an hour or so.... which in my opinion is much better than being bloated.

[FitnessGuru]

Try eating more fiber and proteins and, if you're eating any cheese, drop it from your diet. Maybe go to a Pilates class. Your instructor will be able to pinpoint what you might either be doing wrong or what you can do instead to work out your target areas. If you can find a class called Cardiobarre (ballet barre movements done rapidly without the coordination of a ballerina) in your area it's also a great workout. I know they have then in New York, Los Angeles, and I think there's one in West Palm also. Generally classes are better just because someone else can see what you're doing and point you in the right direction depending on what you want to achieve.