THE FITNESS THREAD

[Chojin]

If you're new to anaerobic exercise, you will make strength (and muscle) gains pretty much regardless of caloric intake. That said, water also influences weight--the more starches and sodium you eat, the more water your body will retain and cause your scale weight to increase. Do not confuse scale weight for fat weight. Medications and supplements can also fuck with your water levels. It isn't really a problem unless you rely 100% on a scale and/or electric impedance bodyfat sensors to track your weight loss (impedance sensors actually check water levels to determine fat percentage, which is why every study that uses them isn't credible).

Really, the best indicator of weight loss is comparing photographs and clothing fit/belt sizes. If you really want to get quantitative measure of your fatness, get caliper'd by a personal trainer. Scale weight means fuck all if you aren't obese, doubly so for women since their water weight fluctuates like crazy on a monthly cycle.

In brief, you can definitely gain strength and lose fat at the same time. I've been cutting nonstop and my lifts are all in the "advanced" range.