Question about strength training and seeing results

Decided to start for the first time an exercise routine for my arms with hand weights and strength exercises like lunges and squats for my legs and some ab work. How long of doing this consistently 3x a week will it take before I will start to see a difference physically in how I look?

IMO ONE SHOULD NOT PUT A TIME FRAME ON SOMETHING LIKE THIS EACH PERSON IS DIFFERENT AND EACH PERSON'S BODY CHANGES OVER TIME STICK TOO IT AND ONE DAY U WILL WAKE UP AND FEEL AND SEE THE CHANGES

I suppose it would vary person to person, just didn't know if there was an average or estimate that many people might find results in. I started this for 3 reasons. One being that I feel very weak and I can't even do one single push up and I would like to be stronger. Second I am very loose and flabby and while I know much of this is extra skin which won't go away I would like to improve the appearance of my body somewhat by toning it up under the skin. And lastly I'd like to boost up my metabolism as my body seems to have settled in at the weight I'm at and I'd like to lose a few more lbs or at the very least maintain for the long term and not regain.

I am so glad you posted this, as I was getting ready to post about weight training myself.  I am a 61 years young grandma who had RNY two and a half years ago, and lost 140 pounds. I am completely healthy, no meds or anything, which in itself is a miracle. Today I went out to mow my  yard with the push mower, something I did consistently last year, and was amazed to find how heavy the mower had become in just one winter! It was all I could do to pu**** and I kept having to stop and rest every 20 minutes or so. The strength in my arms had diminshed terribly! My daughter who is an avid weight lifter and gym attendee, told me to start weight training immediatley. She said in just a few weeks I will be amazed at the difference, not only in my body, but in my mood and strength as well. She advised me to get the book from the library Body For Life for Women. She also said,,three times a week, with regular exercise the other three days and rest for one. She said it wont take long at all, before I will be very pleased.  Im starting today! Hope this helps! Blessings betsy

Betsy, this same thing happened to me. As I lost weight, my upper body strength went to nothing. I'm also a grass cutter, and I was just to puny to get it done. I started weight training the first of the year, using bean cans for weights. I did one of The Firm tapes a few times, and now I just do the exercises and don'****ch the tape. I was amazed at the difference it has made. After a couple of weeks I started using 6 1/2 pound weights, and then I went to 10 pound weights. Now I can't even tell I'm holding weights, so I'm going to buy some 15 pound weights my next trip to WalMart. It's a whole lot easier to cut the grass now, and I've got these little muscles poking out (when the extra skin is laying just right). Good luck to you and Melissa!

I agree with the young lady above :). If you start doing weight bearing exercises like her daughter mentioned ... you will quickly build strength and endurance .. but mostly .. you will FEEL great!

There's something about getting your blood moving through your system with those weights that's a wonderful boost to your overall well-being and you can start this at any age. Our bodies were designed to do some kind of labor .. but in the modern age ... of course, most of us sit on our butts all day. :(

As far as the weights getting rid of the loose skin .. umm it probably won't do much to improve that condition. The loose skin may tighten a little over time ... but if it's really loose, only surgery will tightened it up.

I still encourage you to start a routine for yourself.

Key is working on your 'core' ... so situps and pushups are critical. Then lunges with your legs - adding weights etc. But start slow - you don't want to hurt yourself.

Definitely buy a book like 'Weight lifting for Dummies' and gradually build into your own program.

I like to have a mat in front of my TV during my favorite TV show and stretch for about 15 minutes. That alone is simply wonderful. Then I begin my workout as I have outlined in the above book and other classes that I have attended over the years.

This is better than any glass of wine or ciggarette or drug. :)

Again, start slow as you will be working muscles you never knew you had. :)

Drink plenty of water and have a high carb snack before you workout. Also, expect that afterwards you will be tired and you will sleep like a log!!!

Good luck!

Im going to the library today and get that book! And the sleeping like a log will be an added bonus! I have trouble with staying asleep! Im pumped,,can ya tell!! Thanks so much! Betsy

Another fantastic book is The Body Sculpting Bible for Women. It has several different routines in it, and provides detailed, pictured explanations for each exercise. Great if you are just starting out.

As you build muscle, you will burn more calories at all times. So be sure to focus on both arms and legs, since your leg muscles are the biggest in your body and you want those bad boys burning those calories for you.

resistance training is also really good. But we must remember with rapid weight loss we often lose muscle mass too. This is why keeping protein up is so important. I started working with a trainer for a year and then do kung fu, where i do much resistance training. I have pretty good muscle, even under my belly skin flab!!! My arms look great and I can wear short sleves without a problem. So there is weight lifting and resistance training. Either way, do it safely. That is why I worked with a trainer. I'm not looking to hurt myself. I will encourage you to do this, and for the rest of your life. Muscle keeps burning calories even when we stop working out. With cardiac, once you get off the tread mill, you stop burning calories. keep up the good work!!!!

If you're consistent with it - the average is about 10-12 weeks to start seeing results.

I started weight training at 3 months post-op and I really think it helped prevent that saggy, tired look from losing too much weight too quickly. IMO there is nothin' sexier or healthier looking (for both men and women) than definition - especially in the arms and shoulders!!