How is this possible: body fat up?!!!!

[kgitaitis]

Im going crazy here. I dont understand, could it be explained to me?

I am a runner (run races etc) and as of 5 weeks ago i was running 30-60 miles per week (approx 1 1/2 hours worth cardio per day) plus weight training. So i go to get my body fat tested by a trainer at my gym. She used the caliper and said it was 19%. I want to be 15-16%.
She said i was doing to much cardio and that by simply scaling back on that i would lose a few percent by the end of the month, b/c the running was eating my muscle etc..
so i set out about 5 weeks ago, to build more muscle by upping my strength training and subtracting my cardio (skimmed back to 1/2 hour per day (just 5 days per week) using stair machine, eliptical and running in 10 min increments at high intensity)
I did change a few food items, as i know the nutrition is very important. Yes, i had a few cheats, but even still i was eating less than when i was running.
So yesterday i get her to test my bf% again and she says its 20.8%!!!!!!
I havent gained weight, but my bf % is up.
How is this possible? what the heck am i doing wrong?? I did what she said plus some. I should have at least maintain bf% but go up?!!! Is this normal!?

[audipotential]

Im going crazy here. I dont understand, could it be explained to me?

I am a runner (run races etc) and as of 5 weeks ago i was running 30-60 miles per week (approx 1 1/2 hours worth cardio per day) plus weight training. So i go to get my body fat tested by a trainer at my gym. She used the caliper and said it was 19%. I want to be 15-16%.
She said i was doing to much cardio and that by simply scaling back on that i would lose a few percent by the end of the month, b/c the running was eating my muscle etc..
so i set out about 5 weeks ago, to build more muscle by upping my strength training and subtracting my cardio (skimmed back to 1/2 hour per day (just 5 days per week) using stair machine, eliptical and running in 10 min increments at high intensity)
I did change a few food items, as i know the nutrition is very important. Yes, i had a few cheats, but even still i was eating less than when i was running.
So yesterday i get her to test my bf% again and she says its 20.8%!!!!!!
I havent gained weight, but my bf % is up.
How is this possible? what the heck am i doing wrong?? I did what she said plus some. I should have at least maintain bf% but go up?!!! Is this normal!?

What time of day were you tested.

[jcosley]

NOPE!!!! Get it tested by somebody that knows what they are doing!!! There's no away you are 19%.....i'm like low 20s and have like at least 40-50 more lbs of fat to lose. I find it reallly really hard to believe that you are that high in body fat % by looking at a few of your pics. Being a runner though here is some tips that i've just used the past few weeks and have been helping me tone.

BCAAs!!! I always take some before, during, after running. YOU WANNA KEEP THAT MUSCLE! If you are running outside granted you cant carry a bottle with you everywhere but make sure you get some before and after. Along with a protein shake or something high protein about 30 mins later. I changed my diet this week to lower carbs....OR....keep them around your times of working out....say OATS an hour before running or lifting....gives alot more energy. Anyways, do NOT get down on yourself because I think you look great and I really dont think you have that high of bodyfat.

[ultragymrat]

Here are my ideas... (I do a mix of lifting, elliptical, short runs and and 1 long run per week)

1. I would say that a 1.8% change in bodyfat is similar to a 3 pound weight gain or loss, could be due to a wide variety of factors. So I wouldn't worry about that small of a number change.

2. Was the testing done thouroughly by the same person in the same way?

3. If you are doing 30-60 miles per week and taper that off drastically your body is going to change quite a bit, so at first I would not worry about those types of numbers initially.

4. How is your protein / calorie intake, high enough to support new muscle growth without gaining fat? (Are you stronger on your lifts?)

5. What do you think when you look in the mirror? Are you a bit leaner, more muscular, or ... bloated? What do your eyes tell you?

6. I say take the 20.8% for a new starting point with this new regimine and wait another 5 weeks with what you are doing and then see what has happened. Remember bodyfat is more than 50% diet.

[TheManofSteel]

A jump between 19% & 20.8% is most likely no change.

Were there different times & conditions in which you were tested under?

Ask for the specific caliper readings & a print out of all your stats.

[kgitaitis]

What time of day were you tested.

1st one was done in the morning, the 2nd one was taken around 4 30 in the afternoon.

even so, wouldnt the trainer have mentioned that it would make a difference?

im confused because i havent gained actual weight, but my bf% is up!

She lied b/c she said all i have to do is cut my cardio and ill lose fat percentage. (i had even asked about diet and she said not right now, just cutting the cardio would do it.) of course i also changed my diet a bit b/c i know how important it is.

im discouraged because i have worked really hard this past month and have sacrified my running for it... for nothing.

[kgitaitis]

Here are my ideas... (I do a mix of lifting, elliptical, short runs and and 1 long run per week)

1. I would say that a 1.8% change in bodyfat is similar to a 3 pound weight gain or loss, could be due to a wide variety of factors. So I wouldn't worry about that small of a number change.

2. Was the testing done thouroughly by the same person in the same way?

3. If you are doing 30-60 miles per week and taper that off drastically your body is going to change quite a bit, so at first I would not worry about those types of numbers initially.

4. How is your protein / calorie intake, high enough to support new muscle growth without gaining fat? (Are you stronger on your lifts?)

5. What do you think when you look in the mirror? Are you a bit leaner, more muscular, or ... bloated? What do your eyes tell you?

6. I say take the 20.8% for a new starting point with this new regimine and wait another 5 weeks with what you are doing and then see what has happened. Remember bodyfat is more than 50% diet.

1. well from what she told me it should go down
2. it was done by the same person at the same sites
3. true.
4. I feel stronger, im going pretty heavy with my lifting
5. i can see my muscles getting bigger, feel about the same, feel bloated (but that would be from my diet soda habit) but she said bloatedness wouldnt effect bf% reading because she actually pinches the fat and they are separate.
6. i suppose thats what i'll do. if no change, im going back to running!!!

[TheManofSteel]

1st one was done in the morning, the 2nd one was taken around 4 30 in the afternoon.

Your BF testing should be consistent if you want consistent numbers. True testing is done in the morning with no food or water intake before hand. If this is not possible- all factors should try to remain the same. So since you got tested in the morning & then the afternoon; your numbers are WAYYY off.

even so, wouldnt the trainer have mentioned that it would make a difference?

Possibly shows the quality of trainer or ethical standards of the trainer. Not everyone tells the truth all the time.

im confused because i havent gained actual weight, but my bf% is up! She lied b/c she said all i have to do is cut my cardio and ill lose fat percentage. (i had even asked about diet and she said not right now, just cutting the cardio would do it.) of course i also changed my diet a bit b/c i know how important it is.

im discouraged because i have worked really hard this past month and have sacrified my running for it... for nothing.

As well you should be upset. However, I have feeling you dropped a little from nineteen. If your reading was 20.8% in the afternoon, your *most likely* lower than that 20.8 percent.

[ultragymrat]

Good luck, and give lifting a decent chance...
Running is awesome, but bodybuilders (people who are trying to look the most fit, athletic, and statuesque possible) lift weights because that is best for giving you that look. If that is the look you want to try on for a while give a focus on lifting 6 months. You wouldn't try running for only 10 weeks and then give up would you? It takes time to enjoy it more and reap the benefits.

[jcosley]

1st one was done in the morning, the 2nd one was taken around 4 30 in the afternoon.

even so, wouldnt the trainer have mentioned that it would make a difference?

im confused because i havent gained actual weight, but my bf% is up!

She lied b/c she said all i have to do is cut my cardio and ill lose fat percentage. (i had even asked about diet and she said not right now, just cutting the cardio would do it.) of course i also changed my diet a bit b/c i know how important it is.

im discouraged because i have worked really hard this past month and have sacrified my running for it... for nothing.

That right there already questions the intelligence of the trainer.

Ohhh derrr i'm a trainer.....diet aint important....only exercise.....derrr. I would find a new trainer if I were you.

[kgitaitis]

Good luck, and give lifting a decent chance...
Running is awesome, but bodybuilders (people who are trying to look the most fit, athletic, and statuesque possible) lift weights because that is best for giving you that look. If that is the look you want to try on for a while give a focus on lifting 6 months. You wouldn't try running for only 10 weeks and then give up would you? It takes time to enjoy it more and reap the benefits.

true, true, i certainly want the cut, sculpted look, i def like muscle, i just want the little bit of fat on top OFF of it do it looks pretty : ) but fear that if my body fat keeps going up then ill look bulky or muscly/fat!!

[kgitaitis]

That right there already questions the intelligence of the trainer.

Ohhh derrr i'm a trainer.....diet aint important....only exercise.....derrr. I would find a new trainer if I were you.

luckily for me, i haven't hired her, she just takes my bf% every month as a gym service.

[rpaul11]

A jump between 19% & 20.8% is most likely no change.

user error with the calipers can account for a difference this minute.

you did a drastic cut in your cardio also. There is a fella on this site 5krunner that runs a LOT and his BF is out of this world low.....Look him up on bodyspace.

how is your diet? you realize that cutting 1 hr of running per day from your schedule is approximately a 1000 cal per day difference? have you accounted for this in your diet?

[Schnitter]

Perhaps the person taking your measurements is jelouse of your body and ist telling you the right amount =)

[ultragymrat]

true, true, i certainly want the cut, sculpted look, i def like muscle, i just want the little bit of fat on top OFF of it do it looks pretty : ) but fear that if my body fat keeps going up then ill look bulky or muscly/fat!!

I wouldn't worry... judging from your pic genetics are in your favor and you are well on your way

[kgitaitis]

user error with the calipers can account for a difference this minute.

you did a drastic cut in your cardio also. There is a fella on this site 5krunner that runs a LOT and his BF is out of this world low.....Look him up on bodyspace.

how is your diet? you realize that cutting 1 hr of running per day from your schedule is approximately a 1000 cal per day difference? have you accounted for this in your diet?

yes, i journal all my food on fitday and keep up with my numbers, its pretty clean except for a few cheats and a love for peanut butter im working on. But nothing that would make me GAIN bf%.

i guess i was either dissapointed it didnt at least stay the same much less drop!!
maybe i need to clean up diet even MORE!

[rpaul11]

yes, i journal all my food on fitday and keep up with my numbers, its pretty clean except for a few cheats and a love for peanut butter im working on. But nothing that would make me GAIN bf%.

i guess i was either dissapointed it didnt at least stay the same much less drop!!
maybe i need to clean up diet even MORE!

having an excess 1000 calories per day that you are not burning off with your running will up your BF no matter how clean...that's all I'm saying Did you adjust your diet for that?

[kgitaitis]

I wouldn't worry... judging from your pic genetics are in your favor and you are well on your way

oh, its def not genetics!! i work my tail off!

[kgitaitis]

having an excess 1000 calories per day that you are not burning off with your running will up your BF no matter how clean...that's all I'm saying Did you adjust your diet for that?

yea, i think so... when i was running, i ate probally 80% clean and then if i wanted something i ate it, hence forth the maintenace. With my new plan, im not eating that same way, im more cautious and not just eating whatever etc.
as for numbers, i am going as low as i can, that is healthy (around 1200-1400 calories) when i was running i was eating, maby like 1800?
but i def feel like i had made some adjustments since i wasnt burning those extra calories.

[ultragymrat]

oh, its def not genetics!! i work my tail off!

lol, you are such a girl, you would take it that way, I was trying to give you a compliment, not dis your training intensity, I am sure you work very hard... ha ha

[rpaul11]

yea, i think so... when i was running, i ate probally 80% clean and then if i wanted something i ate it, hence forth the maintenace. With my new plan, im not eating that same way, im more cautious and not just eating whatever etc.
as for numbers, i am going as low as i can, that is healthy (around 1200-1400 calories) when i was running i was eating, maby like 1800?
but i def feel like i had made some adjustments since i wasnt burning those extra calories.

ok....gotcha.....I wouldn't sweat it just yet. Give it another few weeks...get retested...if you like to run...then run....eat as clean as you are now while running and lifting and I think you might be surprised how well you do. You can prevent muscle loss by adding some protein and good carbs...or by suplementing with some BCAA's

[kgitaitis]

lol, you are such a girl, you would take it that way, I was trying to give you a compliment, not dis your training intensity, I am sure you work very hard... ha ha

i know you were : )

but seriously, good genes arn't inherited to me. i wish i was one of those girls that can exercise minimally and eat whatever, but if i smell food i gain!

but thanks!