Ladies, when did you see strength training results?

MissAssister

Following on my brother who's been doing it for 4 years - I started lifting 5 weeks ago and huge difference in 4 weeks (newbie losses/gains). Think the photo is my profile photo. Since then slower appearance gains though I have lost my boobs (hurrah), most of my *kitten* fat (hurrah) and my legs and arms have definition appearing. I've gained 1 inch on my biceps and 1/2 inch on thighs but lost 2.5 inches stomach, 2 inches chest and 2 inches hips.

The most important gains for me though - strength, confidence and just being in control of my body again. I feel amazing. I carry myself tall again. Gone are digestive problems that have haunted me most of my life! My fiance just keeps saying 'WOW' when he see's me and it's encouraged him to start earing healthier and walking (he is classic workaholic).

I train 5 days a week, an hour each time. No specific cardio - the supersets are enough to get my heart rate up and staying up! its a 5am start but I don't care because I'm happy. I consume 1 to 1.5g protein per lb of body weight, cut out dairy and limit carbs (but do not exclude - except bread etc which I cut out completely!) on non workout days. I eat 6 meals per day - essential fuelling. Steak, prawns, chicken, venison, nuts with lower carb veg and making sure I get some good fats! Avocado! Don't eliminate fat- you need it for body function!! Chuck out those low fat/diet foods!!! Drink plenty water and green tea!

I also hired a personal trainer (ex all -natural Scottish bodybuilding champ so he knows what he is on about!) - the same one as my brother - though I push myself very hard on my own, there is nothing like some added fear once a week to get me lifting REALLY heavy! He is also a biosignature practicioner (Poliquin) and I have my nutritional assessment on Friday! Tis was the single biggest thing contributing to shifting bodyfat according to my brother (19% at start to 6% shredded!) so I'm looking forward to that. I am currently 23% BF but thats from a machine. We find out accurately from calipers on Friday!

My workouts are recorded in my diary on here if anyone is interested but note a) weights are supposed to be in KG not lbs (how do you change that?) and b) I'm a newbie so some of the exercise names are more descriptive than actually accurate known moves :laugh:

I'm 42, engaged, 4 kids, 2 grandkids, full time job, post hysterectomy (Jan 13), 5ft 6 and 148.6 lbs.

Bodybuilding.com is an excellent source of information but like all internet sites, watch the forums - some great advice, some rubbish!

macaelaf

Really? Because your picture looks pretty bulky

LittleDoodlePoodle

bump... I keep meaning to start lifting, might just snag your routine!

rainbowbow

Really? Because your picture looks pretty bulky

I dont think you know what that word means.

eevincheezburger

I trained 4 days a week and saw results myself in about 2 weeks. Other people started seeing results in me in about 4 weeks.

Sakura_Tree

took about a month or 2 for me to start seeing results

justjenny

Bump

astrampe

Really? Because your picture looks pretty bulky

Who's picture? Cause I haven't seen a single "bulky" looking picture on this thread..... And you do know that you are being rude. don't you? What would you do if people start calling your picture anorexic or pale or not nice?

brevislux

Well, the first two weeks were hard. I would get back from the gym, shower and go to bed because I was too exhausted. I was always aching and felt awful.

But I think, a month into training, I started seeing some results. Did strength training and aerobics 3 times a week.

TheRealParisLove

I train to improve cycling performance, and I saw a marked improvement after just a week of adding in strength training. It was measurable, having shaved several minutes off my previous best time over my favorite 20 mile training route.

That was after just 2 training sessions! Same bike, same route, same everything else but I was stronger and faster. That got me hooked right there!

lausmit4477

2 to 3 months for muscle definition, but a lot of that contributes to fat loss. Strength gains were pretty rapid.

cavia

Really? Because your picture looks pretty bulky

I dont think you know what that word means.

I think her picture looks fab! If that's bulky, sign me up!

As to the OP, I noticed my muscles harden after 3 weeks. I was obsessed with touching my quads because I loved how they felt! I've only been lifting for about 9 weeks and visually, I started seeing changes around week 5. This week I've noticed my shoulders feel a lot harder and I can see them ripple when I get dressed in the mornings. I lifting!

heidi5k

bump

Shan790

Upper body strength started to improve within a week. About 3 weeks for muscles to start to feel harder. I need to lose the fat now so I can show them off

eurochick64

BUMP..... This is a very interesting post!

freddi11e

bump

miniimuscles

My strength increases were pretty quick, as in going up in weight and endurance. As for changes in my body, it took a couple months of consistent training at least 3 times a week. If you think about it, your muscles aren't getting bigger, it takes a calorie suprlus for that, you have to burn the fat on top of the muscle to see it's definition and tone.

Sarahliquid

It took me a couple of months, maybe even three, but now 7 months later I am so proud of my changes. I'm doing body recomp though so it's a lot slower.

eurochick64

I started heavy lifting at the end of March, I love it, I wish I would of started this year's ago!
But hey better late than never!
I have lost inches more than lbs......I just upped my calories in , so hoping to see weight loss, I really don't think I've been eating enough!

jardimgirl

I've been lifting for 2 months and haven't seen much changes however I don't consume enough protein. Could that be what's slowing down my process?

MissMegannLee

I've started and it's only been about 2 weeks and I'm already seeing some results and feeling some results.

spirit095

I've only been strength training for 2 months now and I think I noticed visible results after about a month and a half. I've gotten firmer and also stronger during this time.

harphy

First visible changes after a month. Rounded butt, thinner waist and thighs, back muscles, visibly melted CELULLITE! Weight went up and centimeters down.

jardimgirl

I've been lifting for 2 months and haven't seen much changes however I don't consume enough protein. Could that be what's slowing down my process?

rosebette

That's what I keep reading in posts in some of the other threads. I just upped my protein, and I'm hoping to see some more results. It's hard for me to get in that much protein. 3-4 ounces at a meal is about my limit.

GreenIceFloes

Observable changes took about a month for me - got noticeable biceps and my calves changed a bit in shape and got very hard. And so did my ample bum. And I'm only a month and a half in. Weight hasn't changed much, but I'm firmer than I was even when I was thin. So that's awesome.

jardimgirl

That's what I keep reading in posts in some of the other threads. I just upped my protein, and I'm hoping to see some more results. It's hard for me to get in that much protein. 3-4 ounces at a meal is about my limit.

Same with me

starbucksbuzz

I started seeing strength results quickly. My biceps popped a bit within a few months, and I got delt definition after about six months. I am a pear shape, as someone else mentioned, upper body develops way faster for me than lower. Lower body i have more strength gains, less definition. Didn't start seeing the progress I was looking for there until I was on a cut for a solid three months. (and still not quite where I want to be. )