Gym workout question for (used to be or are) heavier women?

ClockWorKitten

How long did it take to see a difference?

hipari

Difference in what?

I have been working out at the gym for 4 years now, and I see a big difference in my strength and technique. I started to see it in a few weeks, and I'm in a state of continuous improvement.

I haven't seen a big difference in my weight, but that's because my training has almost nothing to do with it. Eating sensibly is what would make me lose weight.

Joanna2012B

This ^^

bobsburgersfan

I joined my current gym about 1.5 years ago at 314 lbs. I've lost about 45 lbs since then, and I've combined it with MFP for tracking my eating. Like @hipari said, it's the eating part that is responsible for my weight loss. Working out has helped change my shape, I'm stronger, and I can do a lot more things than when I started and I think my form is better on most of them. I do classes, not lifting, and I haven't been overly aggressive about the weight loss, so depending on what you do you and how hard you push yourself you could see very different results.

Basic answer to your question: it was probably a couple of months in when I started to feel/see some changes. But really, all of it has been gradual over the whole time.

sammidelvecchio

If you are looking to see certain changes in your body, i'd say 3 months along with counting your calories should tell you if you're on the right path or if you need to adjust your routine (ie more precise logging, hiring a trainer, taking classes instead of working out on your own etc.).

corinasue1143

I saw a difference in the mirror in 2 months, but I do water aerobics 6 hours a week, more than a lot of people.
It shows more fully clothed in pants and fitted tee shirt than in underwear. Looks more like really good posture, like I’m holding my stomach in and tightening all my muscles when I’m not. Still wear the same size.

YadaYadaYada64

I started weight training about 2 years before I got serious about my diet, I was 50. Although I didn’t lose weight (only diet can do that in significant amounts), I got so much stronger and in such better shape. Started really seeing the difference in only a couple months. A couple years later I had lost the weight (about 60 lbs) and already had a big part of my goals in place with the increased fitness. Backwards to most people . Being stronger is SO helpful in daily life, so rewarding! Good luck!

debrakgoogins

I visibly see a difference when my food tracking is on point. I am very active but only look fit when my calories are in check. I'm not sure if that is the answer you are looking for but food is really the key, not the work outs. Working out keeps me mobile but it doesn't affect my waist line.

1980shonacrichton

Tracking food is what will make the difference. The gym alone will not do this. I track everything (honestly) and live in a calorie deficit. It’s taken a year, I noticed a difference after 2 months. I checked progress with tape and scales. I am pleased I went the distance with the changes. I feel 10 years younger and am stronger and happier. (Photos to show the progress) Stay strong, allow for mistakes and keep a focus on what you want to see. Lots of love xx

SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake

YadaYadaYada64 wrote: »

I started weight training about 2 years before I got serious about my diet, I was 50. Although I didn’t lose weight (only diet can do that in significant amounts), I got so much stronger and in such better shape. Started really seeing the difference in only a couple months. A couple years later I had lost the weight (about 60 lbs) and already had a big part of my goals in place with the increased fitness. Backwards to most people . Being stronger is SO helpful in daily life, so rewarding! Good luck!

I did the same. Now I'm really fit, but still have fat to lose. A few questions.

1. Was it harder to build muscle or lose fat?
2. Do you have regrets - would you lose the fat first then build muscle ?
3. Did building the muscle help with keeping your skin tight as you lost weight?

Unknown

This content has been removed.

ClockWorKitten

Awesome answers everyone, thanks. Trying to keep motivated and inspired. (Kind of shocked at the amount of replys lol).

rainbow198

I've been working out consistently for almost 8 years now and lost 80 pounds.

First I felt a difference about a couple weeks in (sleeping better, a little more energy etc.)

About one month in I started to see an improvement in my stamina. I could go a little longer with my workouts and it became a little easier and my new lifestyle became a habit.

I did not start to see a difference physically until about 3 months of consistency. At that point I was losing inches, my posture was improving, I was feeling a little lighter and some people started to notice the change.

Good luck in your journey!

treehopper1987

Good luck in your journey! I always saw working out as just a bonus for my health. I have yet to get low enough in weight to see a real difference in muscle (but could feel it) I have had roller coaster weight over last several years between pregnancies. My twins (#3&4) are to be our last, so I think that's been more motivation than anything lol

EliseTK1

SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake wrote: »

YadaYadaYada64 wrote: »

I started weight training about 2 years before I got serious about my diet, I was 50. Although I didn’t lose weight (only diet can do that in significant amounts), I got so much stronger and in such better shape. Started really seeing the difference in only a couple months. A couple years later I had lost the weight (about 60 lbs) and already had a big part of my goals in place with the increased fitness. Backwards to most people . Being stronger is SO helpful in daily life, so rewarding! Good luck!

I did the same. Now I'm really fit, but still have fat to lose. A few questions.

1. Was it harder to build muscle or lose fat?
2. Do you have regrets - would you lose the fat first then build muscle ?
3. Did building the muscle help with keeping your skin tight as you lost weight?

So... I know you asked this question of someone else, but I'm going to chime in with my experience in case it helps you.

1. Building muscle and losing fat are both difficult in different ways- one involves mostly strength training, and the other involves mostly a calorie deficit. I like to work out no matter my weight/size, and I LOVE to eat, so it's easier for me to build muscle than to lose weight.

2. I lost weight first, meaning I focused on calories and just did cardio a few days a week for extra calorie burn. It was the way to go for me personally because of what was happening in my life at the time, plus I have some issues when it comes to strength training and migraines that I had to figure out before I could do a progressive lifting program. Once I quit my life-sucking job and got on the right meds, I started maintaining my weight and doing strength training for a slow body recomp.

3. I was not big enough before I lost weight to develop severe loose skin- I've lost ~21 lbs. However the big thing I've noticed is that my body is much better proportioned and clothes fit me better since I started lifting. My skin feels tighter and less jiggly in general. I dropped a pants size while staying the same weight within the first 3 months of lifting.

My advice is, to avoid burnout, do what you can do without overwhelming yourself with a bunch of lifestyle changes all at once. Focus on one thing first, then when you've got that down to a habit, tackle another thing. From a purely physical standpoint not taking the mental tax into account, I recommend starting a lifting program as soon as you can. It will benefit you in countless ways.

SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake

EliseTK1 wrote: »

SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake wrote: »

YadaYadaYada64 wrote: »

I started weight training about 2 years before I got serious about my diet, I was 50. Although I didn’t lose weight (only diet can do that in significant amounts), I got so much stronger and in such better shape. Started really seeing the difference in only a couple months. A couple years later I had lost the weight (about 60 lbs) and already had a big part of my goals in place with the increased fitness. Backwards to most people . Being stronger is SO helpful in daily life, so rewarding! Good luck!

I did the same. Now I'm really fit, but still have fat to lose. A few questions.

1. Was it harder to build muscle or lose fat?
2. Do you have regrets - would you lose the fat first then build muscle ?
3. Did building the muscle help with keeping your skin tight as you lost weight?

So... I know you asked this question of someone else, but I'm going to chime in with my experience in case it helps you.

1. Building muscle and losing fat are both difficult in different ways- one involves mostly strength training, and the other involves mostly a calorie deficit. I like to work out no matter my weight/size, and I LOVE to eat, so it's easier for me to build muscle than to lose weight.

2. I lost weight first, meaning I focused on calories and just did cardio a few days a week for extra calorie burn. It was the way to go for me personally because of what was happening in my life at the time, plus I have some issues when it comes to strength training and migraines that I had to figure out before I could do a progressive lifting program. Once I quit my life-sucking job and got on the right meds, I started maintaining my weight and doing strength training for a slow body recomp.

3. I was not big enough before I lost weight to develop severe loose skin- I've lost ~21 lbs. However the big thing I've noticed is that my body is much better proportioned and clothes fit me better since I started lifting. My skin feels tighter and less jiggly in general. I dropped a pants size while staying the same weight within the first 3 months of lifting.

My advice is, to avoid burnout, do what you can do without overwhelming yourself with a bunch of lifestyle changes all at once. Focus on one thing first, then when you've got that down to a habit, tackle another thing. From a purely physical standpoint not taking the mental tax into account, I recommend starting a lifting program as soon as you can. It will benefit you in countless ways.

Thanks for taking the time to post your response. This is where I'm at now with lifting progress:



I just need to lose fat now. I don't know many people who build first - usually they lose first and then get fit so I was curious as to what their experience was with it.

I look really different than when I started, but am struggling with impatience with getting leaner.

SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake

Not sure what there was to disagree with my post (just saying what I experienced) but to each his own, I guess.