How long do I have to workout before I see some results?

The psychological benefits of physical exercise is immediate. Doctors for many years advocate regular exercise to their patients to ease chronic pain disorders, and as part of a treatment for depression. During and after exercise, the brain releases endorphins, its naturally made pain-killers, which give a feeling of well-being. So mentally, your first workout at the gym is effective straight away.

The rate at which the new healthier lifestyle makes a visible difference depends on many factors such as, age, gender, starting fitness level, genetics, the gym programme undertaken, and the accompanying dietary regime. Outwardly noticeable results will obviously come quicker when more of an effort is made.

In general, if a regular exercise programme and healthy eating plan is committed to, results will start to show after the first week. You will notice your stamina, flexibility, and endurance improve, and the time spent on the treadmill can gradually be increased without any difficulties. Varying the cardiovascular exercises in your gym programme makes it more interesting, and will give overall, a more comprehensive fitness level, so alternate between swimming, cycling, running on the treadmill, and working out on the cross-trainer.

Weight loss rates depend on the individual and their starting weight. A healthy guideline is aiming to lose two pounds per week until reaching a target weight, and then maintaining that ideal. Quite often the first week of a new diet may record the biggest weekly weight loss as the body adjusts to the change and sheds water retention. It's also worth remembering that increasing your muscle mass through exercising adds pounds.

Muscle tone can be noticeably improved after two weeks of training. Your body requires consistency to obtain and maintain its fitness level and muscle tone. Once into a routine of repetitive light-weight work (best for toning), the muscle stays tight in preparation for the next round. So, it's more beneficial to exercise for the small amount of time you have available daily, than to go for a full-on two hour burn session once a week. That will increase your chance of injury, and take a much longer time to build up tone, stamina, and strength.

However fast you would like to see results, don't expect to wake up looking like Brad Pitt or Miranda Kerr. When it doesn't happen it's then too easy to become despondent and either give up altogether, or push yourself too hard, again risking an injury that could cut short any training programme. Working out at the gym should be enjoyable above all else, and being patient for the visible results is well worth it.

Speak with the personal trainer at your local gym to recommend a programme specific to your particular requirements, whether that be weight loss, improved fitness levels, tone, strength, or a mixture of all. Personal trainers can adapt a schedule to fit around your routine, lifestyle, body shape, and expectations. Give yourself plenty of time if you are attempting to shape up for a special occasion or event, as a sustained health programme over a longer period of time will help you maintain your new found vitality.

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If you are in Perth and need a personal trainer, Lords Recreational Centre have expert personal trainers that know all about how to best get results for your body in the quickest time possible.