Physical Changes: How Long Will It Take to See Results?
You have already decided to start going to the gym! You dream of having a perfect body, and you are going to make it happen. However, you should know how long it will take to see physical changes, because the answer will play a role in staying determined. Read this article to learn more about how long it will take to obtain the physical changes that you are looking for.
How long does it take to see physical changes?
Getting in shape is a hot trend right now, and big companies know it. They take advantage of our enthusiasm by selling us “miracle” products that turn out to be useless. Meanwhile, there are plenty of YouTubers who assure us that we can get a body like theirs by working out for just five minutes a day.
This last part can be true, but believe us when we tell you that it will not happen overnight. If we had to choose the word that relates most closely to workout success, it would be “consistency.” Getting your ideal body is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is a matter of health. It is important to understand this so you are not discouraged at the outset.
Have you ever heard that to get over a breakup, you will need twice the amount of time that it lasted? How much time, then, will it take to get over your breakup with the couch and junk food? Relax! It is definitely less than double the time you spent with them!
What to remember when seeking physical changes
There are many factors to keep in mind when it comes to trying to change your body. Here are some key elements:
Gender. Depending on whether you are a man or a woman, the time it takes for your body to change may vary. In terms of toning and bodybuilding, men have it much easier than women, since these things are linked to testosterone, a hormone exclusive to males.
Weight. The time it will take depends in part on whether or not you are overweight. A person who needs to lose a couple of pounds is not in the same situation as someone who needs to lose 30 pounds. Do not get discouraged; there are solutions for achieving physical changes in both cases.
Age. This is another factor to consider, as it is much easier to get results when you are younger.
Even though these factors may affect the difficulty involved, the desired physical changes are possible for everyone.
When will you see results?
The first results will be apparent after four weeks, although it will take a little longer if you are overweight. You will notice that your skin is smoother, and that certain muscles have started to take shape. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account that if you have gone a long time without exercise, the first few weeks may produce a weight gain, even if you maintain a balanced diet.
This is due to the fact that, when you exercise, your muscle fibers tear and new ones are created. They require more liquid, which can add weight when you step on the scale. But this does not mean that you are not slimming down, which is what you want in the long term.
Others may not notice these initial changes, but you will. You will probably spend three or four months at the gym without any major results, but experts assure us that the more significant changes start to happen after six months.
For this reason, our recommendation is to prepare yourself mentally for the fact that the change you want to achieve is a long and continuous process. Despite what some may promise, there are no miracles when it comes to physical fitness.
You can meet your goals with a combination of consistency, healthy nutrition, and exercising three or four times a week. You should also remember that exercise without a healthy diet – and vice versa – will not lead to permanent long-term results.
Have courage and do not give up. If you are consistent and use a bit of willpower and patience, you will enjoy good health and the body you want sooner than you think. Nobody said it would be easy.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Gjestvang C, Stensrud T, Haakstad LAH. Are changes in physical fitness, body composition and weight associated with exercise attendance and dropout among fitness club members? Longitudinal prospective study. BMJ Open. 2019 Apr 14;9(4):e027987.
- Griggs RC, Kingston W, Jozefowicz RF, Herr BE, Forbes G, Halliday D. Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1989 Jan;66(1):498-503.
- Middelkamp J, van Rooijen M, Wolfhagen P, Steenbergen B. The Effects of a Self-Efficacy Intervention on Exercise Behavior of Fitness Club Members in 52 Weeks and Long-Term Relationships of Transtheoretical Model Constructs. J Sports Sci Med. 2017 Jun 1;16(2):163-171.
- Sperandei S, Vieira MC, Reis AC. Adherence to physical activity in an unsupervised setting: Explanatory variables for high attrition rates among fitness center members. J Sci Med Sport. 2016 Nov;19(11):916-920.
