How long does it take to see results from weight training?

faithstimenow

I have been working out using the weight machines, for about a month in a half, and expected to have gone down a pants size by now.... and I gained 5lbs. I know muscle weighs more..... I just want a realistic time frame, for my results. Thanks!

aj_31

No idea. I've been lifting since the spring and I'm seeing muscles and some definition but I've also gained weight. I'd love to hear feedback from others as well.

nickmast78

Need more information.

Are you cutting? bulking?

Eating at a surplus? deficit?

Goal? Routine? Body type?

There are many variables

EatClenTrenHard

1 month.

LottieLou13

Need more information.

Are you cutting? bulking?

Eating at a surplus? deficit?

Goal? Routine? Body type?

There are many variables

^ this

Plus - doubt it 5lbs of muscle in a month. Water weight however....now thats more likely.

I have been weight training for 8 weeks, gained 2lbs, no drop in measurements yet....but they will come.

Pspetal

It took me about 2 months but once the changes in my body started to show, it got better and better pretty quickly. I put on almost 7-8 lbs in a month but that was only water weight from starting a new exercise program. It went away eventually. Every time I increase the weights or the intensity of weight training, I put on a little more weight but like I said, its transient.

jawheb

I do weight training 3x a week. It takes at
least six weeks to see results. You Will
Not get results if you are not eating the right
foods. They go hand in hand. I've been weight
training for a little over a year and happy with
the results. Also if you aren't lifting enough you
won't get good definition. You should at least
start with 10 pounds doing 3 sets of 12. Once
you can do that without a problem, go up in weight.

jacksonpt

weight loss comes from diet, not exercise.

Eat right to lose weight.
Lift to change the way you look.

Regardless, results take longer than you want them to. Patience is key.


.

faithstimenow

Goal: 165 lbs, and as many inches lost as possible.

I was working out Monday - Friday... all muscle groups. I was seeing firm formation, but felt I wasn't shrinking, kind of felt bulky, so I am doing 3 days a wk, with 1/2 hr cardio. Had a wk off since I started, which made me feel like I was starting over... but feel like I am getting somewhere now.

3 x 12 reps, as much weight as possible.

I haven't changed my eating, because the person who buddies with me said I didn't have to, that my muscles will burn all my calories, and start using my fat cells. I am starting to think otherwise.

Anyway, all trial and error for me. Just want the best results of my workout.

CoderGal

It really depends. It depends if you were exercising before, it depends on food, what you're lifting etc.

I went from sedentary to exercising and doing light weights and upping my calorie intake and I took before pics and pics one month later. This was the difference:
0 inches lost in waist
0 inches lost in butt
0 pounds lost
0 difference in pants sizes

I still think there was a noticeable difference in the look of my stomach though.



I no longer muffin top out of my clothes. Good enough for me.

jacque930

What others have said about need more information and yes change diet. Reduce fat and add Protein.
Protein helps to repair mucsle which is needed especially when trying to gain mucsle.

Also, is it truely as heavy as possible. The last couple reps, 9, 10 or 11, 12 should be hard to do. If they are fairly easy and not much more effort is given in those last couple reps, then its not heavy enough.

I struggle and am not happy when I have to push for those last couple reps especially in my last set, but it has paid off.. has tranlated in inches lost.

jacque930

It really depends. It depends if you were exercising before, it depends on food, what you're lifting etc.

I went from sedentary to exercising and doing light weights and upping my calorie intake and I took before pics and pics one month later. This was the difference:
0 inches lost in waist
0 inches lost in butt
0 pounds lost
0 difference in pants sizes

I still think there was a noticeable difference in the look of my stomach though.



I no longer muffin top out of my clothes. Good enough for me.

Where's the muffin top?? Not one in the first picture.. Kidding.. know the feeling when it goes away.. it's great!

Yes I can see a bit more definition in the second picture.

aj_31

For me I'm having the issue with calories vs macros.

I'm on Wk7 of my lifting program. It's a 5 day a week program and we do 3 x 10 or 3x12. This past week I cut down on the days. I am only doing 4 day of lifting so I'm extending my weeks to get in more cardio but typically I'd do 30-40 min of cardio each day that I lift either during the day on my lunch hour by incline walking at 3mph or by running.

I was around 167 when I started lifting and I now sit between 170-173. I try and eat as clean as I can. I usually have an off meal during the weekend.

Breakfast is usually oatmeal, egg/egg whites,
Snack: Usually mixed nuts, greek yogurt, quinoa salad w/veggies, apple & natural PB
Lunch: Chicken stir-fry, chicken fajitas, chicken breast shredded w/sweet potato, salad, subway - once in awhile.
Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese and ezeikel wheat bread, yogurt, apple and pb&j
Dinner: Usually chicken or steak, veggies, sweet potato,

(Lunch and Dinner) sometimes I'll make bulk soups w/veggies or white chicken or turkey chili. I'll have eggs for dinner sometimes. Sometimes salads for dinner with chicken breast.

Yesterday for example.. My BMR is 1530. My TDEE is 2365. My 24 hr HRM test came out at 2300. I have myself at eating 1800 cals. 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat.

Yesterday I ate 1751 and I burnt 735 so that gives me a net of 1016. So I'm below my BMR at this point if I understand correctly. Well if I eat more then my macros are off. For the life of me I can't figure this out.

I've gained and I can feel it in my stomach, hips, and butt area.

faithstimenow

What others have said about need more information and yes change diet. Reduce fat and add Protein.
Protein helps to repair mucsle which is needed especially when trying to gain mucsle.

Also, is it truely as heavy as possible. The last couple reps, 9, 10 or 11, 12 should be hard to do. If they are fairly easy and not much more effort is given in those last couple reps, then its not heavy enough.

I struggle and am not happy when I have to push for those last couple reps especially in my last set, but it has paid off.. has tranlated in inches lost.

I am lifting to where it hurts at 6.... and i have to pause and press on to 12. I haven't been paying attention to my eating.... but I am now.

faithstimenow

codergal, your definition looks great!

mamagooskie

3 months I saw a decent change, 6 months gave me awesome results.

faithstimenow

3 months I saw a decent change, 6 months gave me awesome results.

Good job on weight loss!

DopeItUp

Goal: 165 lbs, and as many inches lost as possible.

I was working out Monday - Friday... all muscle groups. I was seeing firm formation, but felt I wasn't shrinking, kind of felt bulky, so I am doing 3 days a wk, with 1/2 hr cardio. Had a wk off since I started, which made me feel like I was starting over... but feel like I am getting somewhere now.

3 x 12 reps, as much weight as possible.

I haven't changed my eating, because the person who buddies with me said I didn't have to, that my muscles will burn all my calories, and start using my fat cells. I am starting to think otherwise.

Anyway, all trial and error for me. Just want the best results of my workout.

You definitely might want to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. If you've gained 5lbs in a month and a half and your pants are tighter, your diet is way off.

The purpose of lifting weights while you're cutting fat is to preserve and maintain you current lean body mass. It's also nice because you can gain strength even though you aren't putting on any muscle mass.

Having said that, if your goal is to lose 70lbs you need to be cutting calories. Losing fat is 75-100% diet. If you're not running a calorie deficit then you can work out for 6 hours a day and it won't make a difference. Use your diet and/or exercise to create a daily calorie deficit to lose that fat. Start there and you will see the pounds start to drop.

Whoever told you that you don't have to change your diet....I wouldn't listen to them anymore. It's ALL about the diet.

ishallnotwant

I haven't changed my eating, because the person who buddies with me said I didn't have to, that my muscles will burn all my calories, and start using my fat cells. I am starting to think otherwise.

Your friend gave you some terrible advice. Diet is hugely important. If you are eating what you want and trying to work it off, it would be nearly impossible unless you are training for a marathon or something. Simply lifting weights and building muscle isn't going to "burn all of your calories and start using your fat cells" if you are eating large quantities of food.

Hendrix7

Goal: 165 lbs, and as many inches lost as possible.

I was working out Monday - Friday... all muscle groups. I was seeing firm formation, but felt I wasn't shrinking, kind of felt bulky, so I am doing 3 days a wk, with 1/2 hr cardio. Had a wk off since I started, which made me feel like I was starting over... but feel like I am getting somewhere now.

3 x 12 reps, as much weight as possible.

I haven't changed my eating, because the person who buddies with me said I didn't have to, that my muscles will burn all my calories, and start using my fat cells. I am starting to think otherwise.

Anyway, all trial and error for me. Just want the best results of my workout.

You definitely might want to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. If you've gained 5lbs in a month and a half and your pants are tighter, your diet is way off.

The purpose of lifting weights while you're cutting fat is to preserve and maintain you current lean body mass. It's also nice because you can gain strength even though you aren't putting on any muscle mass.

Having said that, if your goal is to lose 70lbs you need to be cutting calories. Losing fat is 75-100% diet. If you're not running a calorie deficit then you can work out for 6 hours a day and it won't make a difference. Use your diet and/or exercise to create a daily calorie deficit to lose that fat. Start there and you will see the pounds start to drop.

Whoever told you that you don't have to change your diet....I wouldn't listen to them anymore. It's ALL about the diet.

This.

AS for the question in the OP............hard to answer without knowing more about your diet and routine.

faithstimenow

Thank you for all your replies I will be sure to start charting my food, eating less fat, more protien.

faithstimenow

Okay... today I am getting alot of " I see you shrinking" comments...yay! So, it took me....almost 2 months... for other's eye's to see it... now waiting for my realization.

kylTKe

Nothing happens in a month.

Mighty_Rabite

I haven't changed my eating, because the person who buddies with me said I didn't have to, that my muscles will burn all my calories, and start using my fat cells. I am starting to think otherwise.

The added muscle will burn excess fat, but the diet has to change as well - personally I'd say weight loss is easily 80% diet.