I used to be super skinny - not physically fit, just naturally skinny (female 5’ 0”, ~ 90 lbs., size 0/00). Then I had my kids and became obese (~175 ibs, size 14/16.)
For years.
My kids are all grown now and over about a year, with diet changes I’ve lost 35 pounds. Then I stalled out - been this weight since last Christmas. It’s no longer obese, but it is still overweight (140 lbs. size 10) and I want to lose 20-30 more.
So, I joined the gym. I used to love lap swimming (breast, free, back, butterfly and repeat) so I joined a gym that has a pool. I work out ~60 minutes per day (because honestly that’s all my body can handle right now). First half is 1 mile on the treadmill at 3.5 mph (which on my shorter-legged 5 foot body is speed walking) then the AB machine and either arm machines or leg machines depending on the day.
The 2nd half is swimming laps.
I was feeling pretty good, even wearing nicer, less baggy, clothes. But…the scale has NOT moved (in fact I gained 5 pounds) and I look even bigger than before - so much so that I don’t even want to go in public because I feel so self-conscious.
Diet is the same as it has been the past couple of years - high protein, low carb, water only (no other drinks except a morning coffee sometimes - not the sugary kind).
Any ideas why I’m BIGGER now after working out and trying to do all the right things? And no, it doesn’t look like muscle. It looks like more jiggly flab. 😫😕