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 :)

Facebook

Come join my Group on Facebook!!!

* Coach Gator Fitness & Nutrition

See you there!!
Coach Gator

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!!!!

Care to join me on this journey?? Visit my website for more info!!!!

To Getting Fit,
Gator

GREETINGS!!!

Well, it has been a few months since I last posted, so HERE I AM!!!!

I have been very active with my workouts, including Team Beachbody's Brazil Butt Lift. It is an awesome workout, especially High and Tight & Bum Bum. I am continuously lifting weights and still running on a regular basis. I am scheduled to run in a marathon this October. My running regimen will start mid-late March. I am very excited about my training regimen and am looking forward to this coming summer. Great things in store for me!!!

Anyway, I will be posting again on a regular basis - recipes, training tips, and other health/fitness-related topics!!!

Coach Gator
www.teambeachbody.com/coachgator
www.myshakeology.com/coachgator

5K Run

Today, I am taking time to register for my 2nd annual Turkey Trot, scheduled for Thanksgiving morning. The Turkey Trot is a local 5K run. What better way to start Thanksgiving Day - with a nice, peaceful, early morning run!

Resistance Training

Resistance Training - It can be a love/hate relationship. I have learned that resistance training is a necessary part of my exercise regimen. I push myself to the point of fatiguing the muscles, but leave enough energy to function for the rest of the day. As I see new muscles exposed, I push myself even harder. I have an ultimate 'image' in mind on how I want my muscles to look in the end. But, in my mind, I know there will never be an 'end' persay. This is just a journey to better overall health, both physical and mental - longevity.

Today, my weights began to feel lighter, which is also a great motivator. It means that my resistance training is working for me! I now have to add more weight to fatigue certain muscle groups. I am really excited to be on this journey....

Hugs!
Coach Gator

I'm Back!!

Wow! It is hard to believe it has been over 4 months since my last post. Life has taken me on a major roller coaster ride. I was totally blind-sided by the ride and am trying to pick up the pieces. One thing that has been a constant is my commitment to my exercise regimen. I have maintained a steady workout regimen, in addition to eating a balanced diet.

I accomplished a major goal in my fitness endeavors - a half-marathon. Back in September, I ran 13.1 miles in approx 2:12. I was so proud of this achievement! Without my commitment to my physical fitness, this run would not have been possible.

It goes to show you that, even with life's road bumps, staying healthy is still possible!!!

Coach Gator