For Such A Time As This

May. 28, 2007

Is 8 Enough? Fat vs. Muscle

Well - I just finished day 8 of TWO. I have to admit I'm a bit sore and finding it a bit difficult to keep form - and in fact did not complete the entire workout. (Although Balance Sequene was easier thanks to Judy's tips from Heather!) I was searching on the T-Tapp Forum last night to see what comes after a bootcamp - where do I go from here? I came across an interesting post that talks about benefits of shorter bootcamps. In January I did a 4 day bootcamp then proceeded to do BWO+ 4-6 days a week. I was happy with my inch loss but did this bootcamp to "stoke that furnace" as Teresa says and hopefully begin burning more fat.

This brings up the subject of Fat vs. Muscle - or put another way, weight loss vs. size loss. Do I have a weight loss goal? Yeah, sorta. Only because it's been engrained in my brain my whole life. But as I'm losing inches and my clothes are baggy, what the scale says is becoming irrelevant. I'm renewing my mind with truth. This picture is truth:

STUDY this picture. Print it and post it on your wall if it'll help!

Do you see how much room fat takes up, and how little muscle takes up? This is why the scale not moving is really of little consequence to me. It also explains why sometimes you may "gain" inches. The muscle is building under the fat (core muscles) making it appear to be inch gain which we interpret as fat gain. In reality, it's muscle density gain that will help you burn the fat away. So, when the fat is burned off lean mean muscle will appear underneath. I'm personally still waiting for some of the fat to get out of the way to reveal those lean muscles. But, I know it's there. The scale has not moved down - but my size has. So, my recommendation - Have a consistency goal and a size goal not a weight goal.

Tip of the Day - Listen to your body!
"Physical therapy is intense. So, the stronger you get the more you're going to get out of it, and the less you'll have to do it." T. Tapp from TWO. This is a physical therapy workout. So, like physical therapy I'm taking 2 days off and then resuming every-other-day. My understanding is I should wait 2 days to measure to allow swelling to go down - I'm sure I have that! Also, I read last night that much of your inch loss comes the few weeks after the bootcamp. You've stoked the internal flame, now you let it burn for a few weeks.

I have a lot of things to share with you from what I read (I really have very few original thoughts, I just read a lot) so I'll continue the messages as long as you all want me to.

Have a wonderful day, ladies. "It's a new day. Fresh with no mistakes in it." Anne of Green Gables

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Comments

May. 28, 2007 - Don't give up-I need a buddy!!

Posted by Ang

I did my workout yesterday, I promise, I just didn't get a chance to post. I plan on working out tonight after the kids go to bed. We've been busy all day. I just have to say that I have really enjoyed doing this as a group. I've never done this kind of thing before and this has really helped me be consistant, especially when it's tough, and my legs muscles burn, and also on the days when I'm tired and just not motivated. I've thought about this group and said, well, it'll just take a few minutes......Even my husband has been impressed with my dedication. But it's not me, it's having YOU gals as a support system!! But, I have not been doing the TWO, like you have. I wasn't brave enough for that. My original goal was to do BWO+, OIP/HF, TTN everday and TWO at least 2x a week. Well, I've been consistant with my everyday routine, but haven't done TWO at all. I'm hoping to, eventually, but this week, I just haven't had the time. I really look forward to your posts each day. The tips are such great reminders (plus, I've loaned my Fit and Fab book out so haven't been able to look at it for a while). So, don't give up!!! Be my workout buddy, please!!! Maybe cutting back to BWO+ or just a few moves to target the areas you want??? Gotta go, baby's hungary!

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May. 28, 2007 - fat vs. muscle

Posted by kimberly

As I realize that you don't know me, I want to let you know that I tend to be a bit compulsive and I have exercised fanatically in the past. For me ttapp is helping to find a healthy balance. I am also a practicing RN. As I am getting older, I realize that my body has been subjected to alot of stress over the years and running 5 miles a day with hours of weight lifing is just not healthy for me at this time of my life. I do still exercise at the gym in addition to the ttapp; I think of this as a form of cross training and helps to make me stronger because I am working out with a different focus on different days.
As a nurse I see people daily who have wrecked their bodies, in many of these cases exercise could have been a way to prevent disease.
Fat is something that your body needs. I would suggest finding out your % body fat and lean muscle mass. You can find free calculators on line using your measurements, or use a body fat sensor at a gym or MD. THis will tell you where you are at and you can make comparisons as you continue to exercise. I personally monitor my body fat because I don't want to gain any fat or lose any muscle.
A stong body ( and I don't mean someone who is overly muscled) will help you to stay healthy throughout your life. Any exercise that builds muscle generally builds bone, this for women can prevent osteoporosis. It can also keep you from having strains in muscles and joint related problems. These are just some of the physical benefits of exercise. Cholesterol levels can also be lowered as can your chances at developing diabetes.
You may not want to monitor your body fat often, but building muscle through exercise if definitely a good thing just for the health benefits alone. I actually gained 2 pounds in muscle this week, and while this may even out over time, it motivates me to know that the exercise I am doing is effective.
Good luck to all!!

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May. 28, 2007 - Here for the long haul!

Posted by Anonymous

Hey Ang - You betcha' I'll stick with ya'!! It helps keep me on track too! As does Habit Formers at T-Tapp.com Don't fret about doing TWO. It's a whole 'nother level. Add one new move at a time - get your form down - then go on to the next move. It takes a very physically fit person to jump from one to the other!

Kimberly - Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! That's the 2nd time I've heard about tracking your % body fat and lean muscle mass. Not a bad idea. And helping with cholesterol and diabetic issues, my Mom is a TTapp testimony to that! Thanks again for the great info!

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About Me

From home educating to home baking to home birthing to home grown herbs . . . a glimps into an attempt to live a simple, separate, and deliberate life with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone.