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Posted by u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

60 lb gain over 3 years, feeling conflicted about progress. Thoughts?

TL;DR: Gained 60 lbs over 3 years, focusing on strength training and feeling conflicted about progress. How do you view weight gain versus fitness milestones?

I've been on a journey where I gained about 60 lbs over the past three years, and it's been quite the ride. I started at around 130 lbs, and now I'm sitting at 190 lbs. I've been focusing on strength training and eating a more balanced diet, but I sometimes feel uncertain about whether this gain is truly positive progress or if I'm missing something.

I have some progress photos that show my physique changes, but I want to be clear that I'm celebrating this journey towards strength and health rather than just focusing on weight alone. I've hit some personal records lately, like my squat going from 135 lbs to 225 lbs and my deadlift from 150 lbs to 300 lbs. Those numbers feel awesome, but I can't shake off the nagging thoughts about the scale.

So, my question is: how do you reconcile weight gain with strength and overall fitness progress? Are there ways to shift my perspective to focus on the positive changes without getting too caught up in the number on the scale? I'd love to hear your experiences and advice!

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u/glutenfree_gains·

A solid diet matters too! If you're strength training, consider upping your protein intake. I love making gluten-free protein pancakes for breakfast; they help fuel my workouts without feeling heavy. What does your current diet look like?

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u/lifting_granny·

I totally understand where you're coming from! When I started lifting, I also gained weight, and at first, I was worried. But then I focused on how much stronger I was getting. It's not just about the number on the scale; it's about how you feel and what your body can do. Keep celebrating those PRs! They're fantastic!

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u/chickenandbroccoli98·

Honestly, if you're lifting more and feeling good, who cares what the scale says? Just make sure you're eating enough protein and hitting those macros. I love tracking my meals with MyFitnessPal; it keeps me accountable without driving me crazy. Just don't obsess over the scale; it can be misleading

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u/tired_and_toned·

Definitely, finding that balance can be tough. I've been there. Try to celebrate the little wins too, like hitting those PRs or noticing your clothes fit better. Those are the real indicators of progress.

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u/the_caffeine_chaser·

Facts! Weight doesn't define your progress. Also, coffee can help with those lifting sessions, just saying. If you're looking for energy boosts, a good pre-workout or some caffeine might be your jam. Keep smashing those PRs!

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u/bodypositive_bro·

Bro, you're gaining strength and lifting heavy! That's what we want! Embrace those gains, and don't let the scale mess with your head. Weight can fluctuate for tons of reasons. You're on the right path, just keep lifting and loving your body!

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u/chickenandbroccoli98·

You sound conflicted, but you've made real progress! If you're eating right, lifting heavy, and feeling better, that's all that matters. Don't get hung up on the scale. Just keep focusing on those gains!

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

Have you tried intuitive eating? It's a great way to build a healthy relationship with food while still fueling your workouts. Focus on how your body feels rather than the number on the scale. You might find it liberating! Many people report feeling more energized and satisfied.

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u/chickenandbroccoli98·

Intuitive eating sounds nice, but I'd still track what works for me. It helps me know if I'm hitting my protein goals or not. Plus, I have a real-life example of a friend who gained weight and didn't lift, and it didn't work out for him. Tracking really helps avoid that.

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

Gaining weight while focusing on strength can be such a confusing experience, especially when we are conditioned to think of weight gain as a negative. It sounds like you've made incredible strides in strength training, with those PRs showing that your body is adapting positively to the stress you're putting it under. Remember, muscle mass does weigh more than fat, so it's not uncommon to see the scale go up as you get stronger.

Instead of fixating on the number on the scale, I encourage you to track other metrics of progress. Maybe take note of how your clothes fit, your energy levels, and your performance in the gym. It can also be helpful to take progress photos to visually see the changes. Your journey is about building a healthier, stronger version of yourself, and it's awesome that you're celebrating that! Shift the focus away from just weight and onto overall health and strength, it's all part of the process. You got this!

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u/bodypositive_bro·

Lmao, some people take the scale too seriously. I stepped on it last week and almost cried, but then I remembered I had a killer leg day. Your progress is about how strong you feel, not just the scale. Keep killing it!

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u/tired_and_toned·

i feel you on the scale anxiety. As a busy mom, I had my moments of doubt too. I started focusing more on how my clothes fit and my performance rather than just the number. It's hard to remember that strength doesn't always correlate with weight. Just keep prioritizing your health and happiness

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u/lifting_granny·

Also, don't underestimate how much strength training can affect your body composition. I've seen older clients transform without much change on the scale, but their body fat percentage dropped significantly! Strength is a powerful indicator of health. Keep that in mind!

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

That's the spirit! It's all about balance. I've run into so many people who think cardio is the only way to lose weight, but strength training is just as important! And the scale is just one measure of success. Focus on what feels right for you!

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

Lastly, if you feel like you're struggling with body image, consider talking to a professional. It's okay to seek help to work through those feelings. Strengthening your mind is just as important as strengthening your body.

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

It's great to hear about your strength gains! Gaining weight while focusing on building muscle can feel conflicting, but remember that muscle weighs more than fat. A higher weight can indicate increased muscle mass and improved overall health. Have you considered tracking your body composition? Tools like DEXA scans can give you insights into your fat vs. lean mass ratio, which might help clarify your progress.

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u/crunching_cardiac·

You gotta keep pushing! I say this as a cardio lover, but strength training is super important. Mixing both can be really beneficial. Try adding a few cardio sessions to your routine if you're not already. It could help with your overall fitness and mood.

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u/bodypositive_bro·

100% with you on this! Gains can come with some crazy feelings about the scale. Like, I remember when I went from 160 to 200 lbs, and at first, I was like, "What the hell?" But then I looked at how much stronger I got.

It's important to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, and if you're hitting new PRs, you're doing something right. You could also try some body composition tracking if the scale really gets to you, like measuring your body fat percentage. Or just keep lifting heavy and eating well, your body will thank you for it in the long run. And don't forget, lifting is supposed to be fun! Find what makes you feel good, and the rest will follow.

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

You're on a journey, and that's what matters! I've had similar thoughts while training for marathons. The scale might not reflect my hard work, but I feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. Try focusing on ur endurance and mental health too; it's just as important!

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u/lifting_granny·

And if you can, try out different forms of training. I added yoga and stretching to my routine, and it's made a huge difference! Flexibility is important for injury prevention, especially as we age. Don't forget to take care of your whole body

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u/tired_and_toned·

I get that! For a while, I avoided the scale completely. I focused on how I felt during workouts and how much stronger I was getting. It can be so freeing to shift that focus away from the scale, even if just for a little while.

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