Progress/setback at same time?

[jaykay]

Hi all,
I started strength training with a PT in April. It's now early may, so I've doing it about 1 month. My bf % starting out was about 24% and goal is to lower it to 18% by august. I had a great PT and just ended my sessions. The first measurements were taken a few weeks after starting, and my bf had decreased just a little bit, and lost almost 1 inch on my waist. However, on monday we took measurements again. Apparently this time my bf went up 1% but my thigh lost almost 1 ". Now, I attend Virginia Tech and know the role stress plays in fat mobilization. Obviously it's been stressful the last few weeks...I'm assuming this played a role in my setback. My PT said some people lose fat first from the leanest parts of their body (which are my legs) and the parts with the most fat (my stomach really holds on to fat the most) is the last place to lose. So this may be encouraging. I will just keep going. I also recently started HIIT (3x/week, with 10 min moderate/10 min HIIT running/10 min moderate). I do this on my 3 weight training days. I am also about to add 45 min mod cardio on 2 other week days. My diet has improved from where I started, and I continue to improve it. Any advice/tips for enhanced progress or ideas about that setback?

[F_Mac]

Did you get measured at the same time of day under the same conditions? Fluid fluctuations within the body can mess with measurements and bodyfat tests big time.

That is why it's usually best to do things like measurements, weight, and photos first thing in the morning before eating or drinking and after using the bathroom. It keeps the playing field even.

[Lady C]

It just takes time JK. I didn't see initial results for almost 8 weeks while the hubby saw results in less than 4 weeks. That was frustrating!

Be patient and see if you start to see positive results between 8-12 weeks.

[LiftGirl]

I wouldn't worry about fluctuations of only 1%. Bodyfat tests are really not that accurate, and 1% is well within the range of error.

The how-do-the-clothes-fit test is a more accurate measure of your progress.

I also like the cheek-bone test.

Keep the pedal to the metal and in 3 months you'll see better progress.