How do I know if I'm doing enough?

Anissa9428

I've just started working out about 2 months ago. And I do see some differences myself, biceps getting bigger, more strength and energy etc. but not so much of a drastic change in my appearance. Most other people don't notice anything. Am I doing enough during my workouts? How will I know? When will others start seeing my progress?

malibu927

What is your goal? Are you trying to lose weight, recomp, or bulk?

rks581

Taking your measurements is one way to track progress. Measure your biceps now and in 2 months, you'll notice a difference.

Your goal for now should probably be building strength and/or weight loss/toning. Which one is up to you -- it is hard to lose weight and gain muscle at the same time, toning is really just losing fat while maintaining muscle.

It's actually fairly easy to do "enough." A single set every 3 days provides most of the strength building of, say, 3 sets every day. Also lifting heavy (5 reps at your 5 rep max) is good for building strength and takes less time. Just make sure you've got all the muscles covered, whether as part of a compound exercise or an isolation one. It takes time, because muscle growth takes place in the rest and recovery periods between workouts. So just keep at it and be patient.

canadianlbs

change with lifting sort of creeps up. so anyone who sees you every day - you, colleagues, family - don't really register what's going on ime.

or maybe you're just not flashing the biceps enough. this isn't the shirt-sleeve time of year, after all. hopefully you're working on other muscle groups at the same time.