All your personal fitness, exercise and diet questions are answered by an experienced fitness instructor. This week, Mel explains why a Keep the Doctor Away member weighs more but looks thinner after a couple of months of exercise.
Mel Andrews is a tutor at Lifetime Training, and has over ten years experience in personal training and GP referral instructing. Below she answers your fitness questions to help you get and stay in shape.
If you have a fitness question you would like answered by Mel, all you have to do is submit your question using the Comment on this Article box below. And remember – sign-up to our monthly health and fitness newsletter to receive your expert answer direct in your in-box.
Aferdita Asks:
I joined the gym last month. I can feel that some of my clothes fit me better now, but when I weigh myself, the scale shows that I weigh over a kilogram more than I did before joining the gym. Can you please tell me what I’m doing wrong and why I can’t lose weight?
Mel’s Answer
This is quite common when you begin exercising, especially when you are doing some weight training. You’ll be glad to hear that it is not a problem.
Muscle tissue weighs more than fat. So since beginning your programme you are likely to have lost body fat and gained muscle. This is good. On the outside you look smaller and, as you’ve noticed, your clothes are fitting better because you have lost inches. Ditch the scales. They only give part of the story as to how your body is changing and can be misleading. If your gym offers it you could ask for a body fat test. This will tell you how your body is changing more accurately and will probably be quite encouraging.
Mel Andrews, pictured. When taking up any new activities or exercise always consult with your GP first and ensure that you get advice from an appropriately qualified instructor.
For more information on fitness courses & more contact Lifetime Training on 0870 702 7273 or visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk
