Arms look bigger since working out = bad thing - Page 2

Merrida · 24-Jun-05, 01:21 PM

What's interesting is that I've read from many sources (and I'm not refering to things like "Muscle & Fiction" mag-rags either),....about the density of muscle vs. fat. In fact, that was one of the first discussions "I" ever parlayed when I joined this forum.

What we must consider is, (let's just start with taking fat for an example).... fat cell size. Since fat cells can remain the same in number, but increase in size, trying to compare the "size" or the "density" of one pound of muscle with one pound of fat,.....that alone, can vary. When a person "loses fat" they never, ever "lose fat." (Only liposuction can do that). They merely shrink the size of the existing fat cells (like letting water our of water balloons, -- the balloons still exist and are floating around in there, they're just "smaller" or "thinner" because the stuffing is out of 'em).

So, are we talking fat cells inflated to maximum capacity? Are we talking fat cell "average," are we talking fat cells that (through needle biopsy) are the result of "weight loss" and as such, have shrunk in size, though still remain integral fat cells?

These are very real variables. Maybe more than we need, but,....they're real.

nate · 25-Jun-05, 05:15 AM

are you sure he didnt say phat??

be happy with yourself, who cares what others think???

Bronco · 25-Jun-05, 08:22 AM

Hey misty, hope the good advice from the fine people on this board has been helpful.

I wanted to say one more thing.

I know what it's to be hurt by a critical statement that was made.

No body's perfect, we all have weak points. I think some people's weak points aren't so weak. You took on something to better yourself and you shouldn't change your goals or who you are to please anyone else.....ever

The people that say this sort of things are sometimes assumed to be so called friends. It gives you a wake up call to how people really are, and who is a true friend and who isn't.

In the end of the day, it's your head that lies on the pillow to go to sleep. If your conscience feels clear, you will sleep well knowing that your on the right path.

**.V.** · 25-Jun-05, 12:35 PM

Just to reinforce what everyone else is saying - don't worry about it.

One thing though - when you start building muscle, the fat layer that is on top of it gets pushed out a bit and it can make you look fat at first. But the extra muscle will help you burn that little layer off then it looks good.

At 105 lb, I don't think you can have too much fat to worry about though - unless you are 3 feet tall.

Don't worry about it, keep lifting. It will work out.

Rome wasn't built in a day, or burned in a day either. Bodies aren't built in a day, and one bad day won't destroy all your hard work. Keep it up.

Merrida · 25-Jun-05, 01:48 PM

Even if this seems like I might be "back-peddaling" -- I have to say something.

Regardless of what the rest of us here think,....(even though evidently most if not all of us are of the mind that any muscle gained to give her shape and size is a very good thing),.....ultimately, what becomes the most important thing is: what does SHE think?

If SHE, herself, without the influence or opinion of anyone else,....if she alone feels unhappy with her muscle growth, shape, development,....ultimately, that's what counts. While the rest of us may find it sexy, attractive, and a sign of fitness that's appealing,....if she doesn't like it, then we need to look at her questions of "why" this might be happening, and "why" she may look this way (ie: what prompted others to comment as such), and if she wants to change,....perhaps our replies need to be customized to help answer her questions and help her either change, or un-do what's occured (ie: offer information on what breaks DOWN muscle tissue, and what exercises to avoid,....all as we have).....

This doesn't change what "camp" I live in about her muscle growth or what I envision,...but she does have a right to be listened to and helped in a way that works for her.

**threenorns** · 26-Jun-05, 11:04 AM

the impression i got from her post was that she didn't have a problem until that thoughtless comment was made.

misty - do you, by any chance (and not making any kind of judgement here) have a tendency to worry or even obsess? i ask because you sound an awful lot like my older daughter who does exactly that - a hundred ppl can compliment her on, for example, her new haircut but *one* person says they don't like it and within hours she's convinced she's made the worst mistake of her life.