When did you start noticing a difference? (strength training)

Not really strength training, but I started Pilates and daily walks in September. In mid-November (about 12 lbs lost and 2x weekly Pilates) I started to notice a difference in my waistline. In mid-December (about 16 lbs lost + Pilates) I started to notice a real definition in my arms, and my clothes started fitting differently (not only looser, but more streamlined). December is also when others started to notice a difference. Since September, I've gradually increased daily walks from about 2 km a day to anywhere between 5-10 km a day, and have continued doing Pilates 2x a week. Even though I'm still about 12 lbs from my goal weight, the clothes I used to wear at that weight now fit looser than they did then. It's like everything has shifted (in a good way).

I started noticing a difference in 1974.

That's hard for me to answer. The difference in my actual strength happened pretty quickly. That in itself was enough motivation to keep going because while I didn't SEE a difference, I was able to handle heavier weights so I knew I was progressing.

As far as what's visible, I started out with a pretty high fat percentage, so while I could feel my body firming up, I couldn't see it. I'm down 30lbs now (been lifting for 4mos) and almost at my goal weight. I can see slight definition here and there because I've lost some fat, but it's going to take me a fair amount of time to drop my fat further to really be able to see anything. I will say that since I've been lifting I've dropped inches like crazy.

Anyway, in answer to your question my strength gains started after a few weeks, and what I could feel starting to change was a month or a little longer... I don't expect to visualize any major differences for another 6mos anyway. I think of weightlifting/recomping as a fun ongoing project. Just have fun with it and it will come.

It took about a month to see any noticeable change. That said, I'm middle aged, so it could be faster for younger people.

It was easier to climb steps& get into pickup within 1-2 weeks. I was really bad off to start.

If you've also changed your diet, I'd say you notice a difference in a month. You lose inches much faster with strength training.

Phase One - 1 to 3 weeks - ouch phase - you feels sore.
Phase Two - 3 to 8 weeks - feel stronger phase - soreness is gone start to feel stronger and notice some physical changes.
Phase Three - if you're on a deficit, you continue to get stronger, but eventually newbie muscle gains level off - if you're lucky enough to be able to bulk, you get stronger and add muscle.

I started taking classes very similar to what you are describing about 3 times a week. Then added a free weight class twice a week. I lost a total of 15 inches within 7 weeks. Starting my fifth month now and still losing inches but not as fast of course. I am 5'1 and have about 50 lbs to lose. Highly recommend taking your starting measurements! It keeps me motivated.

Sumiblue wrote: »

Strength gains right away, shoulder & bicep development within first month (I had a good base of muscle to start with). But I didn't have my deficit right. That took me almost a year to get right. When I did, the fat started coming off quickly and I lost 8lbs and several inches since October 1.

when you say you didn't have your deficit right, what do you mean? I'm struggling with quite a bit more to lose, staying in a "moderate" deficit (whatever moderate means) and trying to increase my strength. Reducing my deficit is terrifying at this point with 40-50lbs left to go.

don't do so many ab exercises, and you'll notice your stomach get flatter quicker. if you do a lot of ab work, your abs will get bigger, giving you the appearance of being fatter/bloated.