Why am I working out every day but not losing weight?

On Ep. 237, Nikkiey says your body treats high-intensity training or training six to seven days a week as another stressor. If you're already dealing with life stress or poor sleep, piling on exercise pushes you toward chronic inflammation and burnout, and a stressed body may break down muscle for energy instead of burning fat. Since muscle keeps your metabolism going, losing it makes fat loss harder. On Ep. 188 she adds that a plateau can be your body telling you it needs a break.

The women on the show describe the same pattern. Nausheen (Ep. 378) worked out six or seven days a week, sometimes two or three times a day, and wasn't eating enough protein. Angela (Ep. 231) was doing up to 14 mostly HIIT-style classes a week and felt puffy without building muscle. Amber (Ep. 266) burned about 1,300 calories a day on CrossFit and dance fitness while eating keto and not eating enough, and got puffier, achier and more tired. On Ep. 110, Trainer Lindsey Matthews points out that a run may relieve mental stress, but on your body it's still a stress you have to manage.

One nuance: fewer days doesn't mean coasting. On Ep. 188, Nikkiey says just going through the motions won't create the demand your body needs, so challenge yourself with heavier weight in the sessions you do. Lindsey's coach had her train less and focus on recovery for months, checking her lab work, before moving her into a calorie deficit, and then the weight came off. If you suspect something hormonal or medical is going on, work with your doctor.