Gym and diet... but no big changes!

R

Rebecca187

New member
Hello,

Hoping to get some advice and keep my motivation up!

I'm working to tone up my arms and stomach. I'm not too bothered what the scales say as long as I am feeling and looking overall healthier and trimmer.

However, I've been working out for 5 weeks and am not seeing the results I'd like... has anyone else found this/can recommend anything different or additional to try? Or, do I just need to be more patient?

Some context...
  • Diet: Vegan for 3 months. After becoming vegan, I dropped 5lb over a few weeks, and have stayed there (around 9st) ever since (I'm 5' 4").
I've cut all soda from my diet over the past month and am eating lots of veg and grains (portions are fairly generous). I keep fruit consumption low (a few pieces per week, and limit glasses of juice), and very rarely eat any crisps or snacks.

My bad habit is wine - I usually have a glass with dinner each night, with the worst periods when there is lots of socializing, up to 14 (eek!) alcoholic drinks in a week.
  • Exercise: Gym around 5 times per week - this generally includes one 60 min personal training session (weights, lunges, and core exercise for legs, arms and stomach); 2 cardio sessions (running machine, cross-trainer, bike, etc); and 2 classes (usually something like body pump, GRID class - like an obstacle course but on repeat - or kettlebells). I also complete a 35-40 minute walk (total) each weekday to and from work.
  • Cosmetic: For what they're worth - probably not much! - I use Mio's Get Waisted cream on my stomach and Nip+Fab's Upper Arm fix to help smooth and refine skin in these areas. I've been using for these a fortnight, although recommended use is 30 days to see any difference (this really is a back-up - not expecting miracles here!).
I definitely feel fitter and stronger, and I can see more defined muscles in my legs and arms. I also feel healthier for eating so much more veg and grains and being more mindful of my diet overall. However, my arms have reduced just a 1cm - if that - and my stomach has barely reduced at all in this time.

Could it be that the alcohol is literally canceling out all the other work... or does it take my longe than 5 weeks to see a cosmetic result? As I said, I really do feel better for the exercise and certainly stronger, but would love to see results on my arms and tummy too, and quicker!

Thanks for any advice you have,
Rebecca
 
How do you measure your progress so far?

One important thing you need to know is that the muscle, the same volume, is 3 times heavier than fat.
So if you gain more muscle, you might lose much weight, but your size will be smaller.

I hope this help.
 
Hello,

Thank you! Yes I'm not focusing too much on weight - that's stayed pretty stable anyway - but more measuring my stomach and arms, and only seeing very small, if any, change.

I can definitely see more muscles definition in my arms though - so not sure if that's the best measure, as perhaps they're doing thinner as the muscle is building up?

As with many people, I suppose I want to see 'instant' results - which isn't the reality :)
 
It is being optimistic to hope to see too big a difference in 5 weeks - especially when you are already fairly trim figured.

The use of a personal trainer should be ensuring that you have picked the best exercises for your aspirations and that you are doing them correctly.

Looking at what you say about food - I assume your bread and fat consumption is considered and limited.

One query I have regarding the alcohol is whether these are pub measures or ones that people pour socially... I know a lot of people who pour triple measures in a home or social situation and do not realise the quantities that they are consuming.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top