This is how long it really takes to see results when you start a new workout regime

It’s a perennial question on every gym newbie’s mind: how much of this physical torture do I have to endure before I notice a change in my physique?

Obviously, your reasons for starting a new exercise The regimen may not be aesthetic: perhaps you simply want to feel more energetic or change your daily routine. routine getting your sweat about.

Whatever your reasons for tightening your lycra, it can be helpful in terms of motivation to know how much exercise you really need to be doing to see any kind of physical change, which, let’s face it, is something that’s always in the back of our minds when we’re slaving away on a treadmill.

Obviously, the degree of change you notice depends largely on your physical aptitude levels before starting, explains athletic trainer Amanda Hughes.

“If you’ve never exercised before, you can expect to see results much faster than someone who’s been training for years, as their bodies will be more conditioned,” he said. the independent.

“We are all individual in our makeup, so the speed at which we see changes in our body will be different for each person.”

Having said that, Hughes explained that if you stick to your training regimen and train three to five times a week, you can expect to see results within a month or two.

“However, certain variables will affect this,” he added, such as your body’s starting point and, obviously, your nutrition.

Whether it’s embarking on a new weights program or taking a new spin class, Hughes advises the following three tips to stay motivated and help you achieve the results you want.

measure your progress

It’s all too easy to mock Instagram’s fitness elite for their endless streams of mirror selfies and gospel photos of protein shakes, but documenting your workouts via before-and-after snaps can go a long way toward keeping you motivated.

Whether you choose to share these images publicly or not, taking pictures of your physique at the beginning of your fitness “journey” and thereafter allows you to see how far you’ve come.

“While the initial changes will be small, over time these results will become more noticeable,” Hughes said.

Try hard, but be realistic

“Be progressive with your workouts and keep in mind your starting point,” advises Hughes.

If you’re just starting out, it might be worth increasing to two to three sessions per week.

“Having a realistic and sustainable plan will help you stick to it,” he added.

Likewise, if you find yourself reaching a plateau after a few weeks, you know it’s time to switch up your regimen a bit, either by increasing your weight or incorporating some high-intensity movements into your routine, like jumping lunges or burpees.

Also, don’t feel like you need to splash out on an expensive gym membership, there are plenty of workouts at home you can do it from the comfort of your own living room.

Find workouts you really enjoy

This may sound obvious, but a surprisingly large number of people will continue to drag themselves into classes they despise and gyms they loathe like it’s some kind of masochistic jury duty.

It really doesn’t have to be that way, with today’s gyms offering all sorts of iterations of exercise classes, from boxing to aerial yoga, all you need to do is find one that you really like, or at least can. tolerate.

“Finding something you love to do is paramount to your success,” says Hughes.

call a friend

If you’re still having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning for that 6am sprint class, having the support of a training partner might be key.

Not only will they help hold you accountable if you try to sneak out at the last minute, but they can turn exercise into a more social experience, which can be hugely beneficial to your mental and physical well-being.

“Having someone who has a vested interest in your success will help encourage you to succeed,” Hughes concluded.