Lost weight on the trail? Added more muscle?
:-? I'm sure it's impossible not to experience both, but I was curious to hear what you all had to say. Did you lose weight walking the trail? Did you come home heavier but muscular? Any bulging calves? How about those who stayed pretty much the same?
-Dxi
Gaining muscle while losing weight
Quote:
Originally Posted by c.coyle
You can't create new muscle tissue (larger muscles) unless you're running a caloric surplus over time (or taking steroids).
I'm just talking theory, because this isn't my area of expertise, but I think it IS possible to create new muscle tissue while you're running a deficit. Like I mentioned in my first quote, I think studies have shown that women tend to LOSE weight but GAIN muscle. It seems, and I may be wrong, that most of those women are running a deficit, which is why they are losing weight, but they have enough fat in their bodies so they can actually have a net gain in muscle. Some guys can do that too.
I agree though, that you're not likely to gain weight-lifter type muscle, more like the runner/mailman muscle described earlier.
You can't turn fat into muscle
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colter
... I think it IS possible to create new muscle tissue while you're running a deficit. ... studies have shown that women tend to LOSE weight but GAIN muscle. It seems ... that most of those women are running a deficit, which is why they are losing weight, but they have enough fat in their bodies so they can actually have a net gain in muscle. ...
I agree though, that you're not likely to gain weight-lifter type muscle, more like the runner/mailman muscle described earlier.
I'm not an expert, either. Just an old, self-taught weightlifter. I think I'm safe in saying that you can't turn fat tissue into muscle tissue, or vice versa. Folks who get leaner and fitter after starting an exercise program may appear to be more muscular because their existing muscles become more fit and are no longer covered by fat.
If your body's making new muscle tissue, you're running a caloric surplus. You have to eat to make fat. You have to eat to make bone. You have to eat to make muscle. No difference. A hiker can gain muscle on a long hike, but only if he's running a caloric surplus.
Think about what you said above. If you're running a caloric deficit and losing fat tissue, how could you simultaneously be gaining muscle tissue?
Bodybuilders (anyone who knows me will tell you I am not one) are resigned to additional body fat when they are adding muscle, because they know they have to run a caloric surplus. They then run a relatively short term caloric deficit before a competition to get rid of the fat and become "ripped".
This is an interesting topic. I wonder if any through hiker ever hired a dietician and followed his or her plan throughout.
You CAN lose weight and build muscle
Quote:
Originally Posted by c.coyle
You can't create new muscle tissue (larger muscles) unless you're running a caloric surplus over time (or taking steroids). Walking all day, day after day, at a caloric deficit or break-even may result in better conditioned existing muscles, but won't create new muscle tissue. If the caloric deficit is large enough, you'll lose muscle tissue.
This isn't true at all. People do it most every year about this time (New Years). They cut back my caloric intake so that they run at a deficit (and lose some weight) AND hit the gym regularly and build new muscles.
People become thinner AND build muscle mass. Ask anyone who's made a New Year's Resolution to get back into shape.