How soon can you expect to "see" progress once you start strength training?

Jmgkamp

I'm meeting with my trainer (yay!) on Thursday. I've lost 33.4 pounds so far, since March 4. Unfortunately I still have approx 60 to go as a 5'2" (optimistic height) 42 yo woman.

I'm well aware that I'm losing muscle along with fat. Fat can go, but I need the muscle. I do cardio every day for at least an hour - I do 2 if I also have a class (Zumba, boxing, etc.).

If I start to do 30 min of weights each day (switching muscle groups for rest and repair purposes), when, what and where will I see first progress?

jddnw

You see it first in strength gains. Each week you may find you can do a few more reps, or increase the amount of weight you use. If you are working with a trainer, he or she will guide you in increasing your reps and/or weight.

Jmgkamp

Thanks for the reply. I'm sad that it took me so damn long to start, but happy I didn't give up!

GWehsling

jddnw wrote: »

You see it first in strength gains. Each week you may find you can do a few more reps, or increase the amount of weight you use. If you are working with a trainer, he or she will guide you in increasing your reps and/or weight.

+1

I would encourage you to keep all the bits of paper your trainer gives you with your weights/reps on so that you can look back in the future and see what you were struggling with 'back then'. I've been at a gym since Feb and I mentioned to my trainer that I didn't feel like I had gone very far, but looking back, I've almost doubled some weights even though I don't feel or look very 'muscle-y'.

Good luck on your journey and don't forget you actually NEED rest days.

Jmgkamp

Great idea! I'll keep track. I wish I'd taken a real before picture, but since I'd never allow myself to be in front if the camera I don't have one. Won't make that mistake with strength training. Wouldn't have even thought of it so thanks!!

arditarose

I think when you're in a deficit, you feel it more than you see it. You're already losing the fat to begin with, but now you're saving more muscle, and it's just a new body...All you can do is imagine yourself at a similar weight, except with not as great of a body composition. Maybe that sounds dumb. Long day.

Anyway, you will feel amazing probably right away.