For us folks just starting out on an exercise regimen, there is a nasty little surprise: Weight stall or gain. It's all over the internet. I've been on 3 very strenuous hikes and they have caused me to gain a couple pounds immediately after. I know I'm healthier, but it's disconcerting.

I have been reading fitness articles like this one and the articles on the right hand side of the article below. They are all about weight gain and exercise:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/378472-why-am-i-gaining-weight-with-exercise/

Now they make a very good point. We should be all about fat-loss as opposed to weight-loss. They also say in some of the other articles that the high intensity exercise that I prefer may not be the best for me because of anaerobic verses aerobic training and a host of other factors like Water retention, muscle mass and glycogen storage.

It's just not as simple as burning more calories than you take in.

I walk everyday and hike on the weekends. Should I increase my daily workouts? Decrease my weekend workouts? Mix it up more or stay on the same schedule? Increase the mileage and intensity of the hikes? Decrease it?

I honestly do not know what to do.

Dad to 2, Thank you for linking the article. I was posting on the fly, so just gave the overall site. I don't know if I agree with everything the guy has to say, but he's definitely a believer in what he preaches. Aren't we all? LOL

I was really enthralled with the body makeovers on that site. I believe there are 6 and I read three of them last night. My son has started following the Paleo diet and is working the exercise into his routine. I guess my facebook friends aren't the only people I've inspired to get healthier! Son and I spent a couple of hours on the phone last night discussing exercise routines, diet, and the Nerd Fitness site.

I truly don't care what the scale eventually says as long as I'm happy with how I look and feel.