3 Months of working out hard... NO RESULTS
I'm extremely discouraged right now.
I'm 6'2" and weigh approximately 260 lbs. I've been working out for about 3 months now and I have nothing to show for it.
The thing is, I feel healthier. I can run faster for longer periods of time. Before, I couldn't jog 6mph for even 20 minutes, now I can do over 6.5mph for 30 minutes. I can lift more (for example, my curl is up from 40 to 45 at 3 sets with 10 reps). But I haven't gotten any skinnier. The pants that I'm using to measure my progress still fit the same.
My initial routine consisted of Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays of 20-30 minutes of weights followed by 20 min treadmill and 20 min elliptical. Tuesday and Thursday I did 30 min treadmill followed by 30 min elliptical.
I thought I hit a plateau so I altered my workout a few weeks ago. I increased my lift, intensified my treadmill routine, and added the stairclimber. Here it is:
Monday: Biceps, Triceps (20-30 min)/20 minutes treadmill alternating 1 min at 8mph and 1min at 5mph/ 20 minutes stair climber
Tuesday: 30 minutes jogging first 10-15 minutes at 7mph, remaining at 6.5mph/ 20 min stair climber/ 10 min elliptical
Wednesday: Chest, Shoulders (20-30 min)/ 20 minutes jogging alternating 1 min at 8mph and 1min at 5mph/ 20 minutes stair climber
Thursday: 30 minutes jogging first 10-15 minutes at 7mph, remaining at 6.5mph/ 20 min stair climber/ 10 min elliptical
Friday: 20 min treadmill 6.5mph/ 10 min elliptical/ Legs, Back (20-30 min)
-----------------
Now, for the diet. My options are limited because I'm currently unemployed.
Breakfast: 1 cup Oatmeal w/ strawberries
Lunch: Ham Sandwich w/ cheese on 100% whole grain bread
Snack: Apple
Other meal: Depends (usually high in protein)... sometimes I don't eat this meal
Dinner: Whatever Mom cooks (examples: brown rice, pasta, turkey burger, chicken sandwiches, etc.). I usually have vegetables too (peas, green beans, or beans)
I don't know if I'm eating enough. I'm usually out for the whole day as I go to study right after leaving the gym. I actually pack my sandwich and apple. Carbs might be an issue, but honestly I think i'm within my carb limit.
-------------------
I don't know what the issue is. I get 6-8 hours of sleep each night. It could be carbs or not eating enough calories, but I don't think i'm eating unhealthy. I usually have one cheat meal each week. I know it usually takes a while to see results, but I thought I would've seen SOMETHING by now. The thing is I feel healthier, I have more endurance for cardio, I can lift more... but my waist is the same. I don't see any physical change.
I'm just so frustrated right now. Any input?
It takes lots of calories to get big and lots of calories to stay big
drink 2 big glasses of water before dinner, use small plates, eat slow, don't be afraid to not clean your plate!
You can eat good all day and then have a 1000+ calorie dinner and ruin your day.
You can eat a cheat meal 2000+ calories and ruin your week.
If you drink cola, drink diet instead.
don't drink too many protein shakes if you drink them.
after gaining control over the above I'm down 35 pounds in 4 months. Even when missing workouts I still lose weight so I think it's all about diet and I think cardio/weights are all about feeling good which is why I try to do all of it.
Decide to do it and you will.