Two sessions a week at the gym - when can I expect to see results?

[fatsatsuma]

Im following a standard programme each time I go ie. 30 mins cardio, 30 mins ?weights (not sure what to call it - various machines eg. leg press etc).

I'm pushing myself pretty hard every time I go, as am hoping to see some results before a special holiday in July. Am I being unrealistic to expect to lose a bit of weight and tone up somewhat in that time?

I've been going for three weeks now and have another seven to go before said holiday.

desertgirl - I've been told that the fit of your clothes is a much better guide to how you're doing than literal weight loss. Is it possible that you have converted fat to muscle (which weighs more) and are therefore slimmer but not necessarily lighter?

popsycal can you explain a bit more?

I dieted and exercised over the last five months and came down two dress sizes.

You don't have to diet, but it wouldn't be a bad thing. Even if you don't diet, you shouldn't reward yourself with treats after the gym, for example.

fatsatsuma, yes that is what I meant - I probably am slimmer, but not enormously so (clothes fit better, rather than, get to go out and spend money on new ones).

I do think I look more toned, at least on my arms etc, there is still a long way to go before any abs become visible however much improved they are!

good luck!

If you are working hard, then you will see results in 6 weeks for holiday. . .but remember KEEP GOING FOR LIFE !!

go to a BMF class three times a week AND eat healthily between now and your summer holiday.

can pretty guarantee you will be toned by your holiday.

(i'm not paid to advertise BMF but I'm very evangelical about them!)

I agree that it is totally possible without changing eating habits but not always the best way to do it (injuries can spell serious disaster - I learnt this the hard way!)

I have lost almost 4 stone now without dieting (but with small changes such as no weekday wine, no takeaways, healthy breakfast every day etc) but the exercise bit has to be really hard to make a difference. I managed to stay a hefty size 22 doing 3 spinning classes a week but introduced running and the weight is literally falling off. Doing a coreball class twice a week has made the biggest changes to my body shape I think though.

fatsatsuma How have the gym sessions been going, have you started to see the results?

can i just say you can never convert fat to muscle - it is impoosible.

What is a really good idea is to eat a sensible healthy food at meal three to four times a day and also do resistant training to build muscles that you arleady have, make them bigger - this is harder for woman and harder as we get older (30's 40's and 50's)

if we "diet" we lose muscel first and then fat - it is shit but this is what happens

so eat you recomended food intake for a female of your age - and this will vary as to how much you do.. and be generaly less in your 30's than in your 20's as the metabolism slows and less agin in 40's - unless you are doing a good amount of cardio and resistance, as these two things can change your metabolism and also resistence increases your muscel and that in itself is thought to increase metabolism.

so resistance - a weights class or weights yourslef at the gym or kettle bells - and also half cardio will decrease your size if you eat the correct amount and try to drink and eat after your activity so that you don't over eat.

then you will lose fat - and not muscle, and hopefully build the muscle

but you can't change fat into muscle you need carbs for muscle and protien

Hi Lostgirl. Thanks for asking - I have definitely seen results

I have lost some of the wobble on my thighs and my legs are defnitely more toned and slimmer. My arms are also better, and people have commented that I have lost weight.

I've been to the gym twice a week for 8 weeks and have pushed myself fairly hard every time. I have eaten carefully but haven't dieted. I could probably have lost more weight through strict dieting, but my main aim was to tone up and feel better in my clothes, and I think I've achieved that.

The challenge now is to maintain it, especially as the holiday is rapidly approaching

That's great

Remember to keep challenging yourself in the gym, up the weights and the tempo of your intervals (if you are doing them for cardio) and you will continue to see changes.

Message deleted