When Can I Expect to Lose Weight by Working Out?

Yuri Elkaim, BPHE, CK, RHN

If you're like most people who want to lose weight, then I'm sure you've asked this question before, haven't you?   And it's a fair question that most people are working out to lose weight would like to know the answer to. However, is tough to tell when you can expect to see results from working out. After all, there are a number of factors that will determine the outcome. Let's have a look at each one as well as what you can do see faster results from your workouts.

WHEN CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE "VISIBLE" WEIGHT LOSS RESULTS?

If you're a beginner to working out, the first 6 weeks of your training program are very important even though you may not see significant results. These first 6 weeks are known as the "neuromuscular adaptation phase" and are characterized by an increased in muscular co-ordination and improved strength without a significant physical transformation.

So, if you want to lose weight and you're not seeing immediate results, just remember that the first 6 weeks lay your foundation. After that, the weight will start to fall off, bearing in mind that you're working out and eating correctly.

With that in mind, it should be remembered that achieving your fitness or weight loss goal isn't about doing something for a few months and then stopping. No! Instead, it's about making exercise and healthy eating a part of your daily lifestyle. When you do so, you will see significant results. And they'll last!

HOW MUCH WEIGHT DO YOU WANT TO LOSE?

Do you want to lose weight? Great! How much? 10 lbs? 20 lbs?   You need to be specific, it needs to be measurable, and you need to fix a date to your goal.

The first thing you need to do is get very clear on your goal. Is it measurable? Do you want to lose weight fast or do you want to lose 15 lbs? The difference is subtle yet pivotal in your ability to achieve your goal.

So get clear. Know where you are and where you want to go.

WHAT DO YOUR WORKOUTS LOOK LIKE?

Whatever your goal, you need to be working out at least every other day. That means that you're working out 3-4 times per week (or more in some cases). The goal is to increase your lean body mass (ie. develop more lean muscle) so that you naturally raise your metabolism. As a result, your body will be burning more calories (and specifically fat calories) all throughout the day. Therefore, you will have a leaner body and more muscle. That's a good thing.

If you are working out once a week, then you're not going to achieve anything! It's that simple. I've worked with too many people who would only workout with me (once a week) and then do nothing on their own. The result - no results!

DIET IS CRITICAL

Diet is a big factor. If you want to lose weight, then you need to eat less calories than you are burning. It's that simple. If you eat 2000 calories per day, then you need to be burning more than that. Obviously, it's tough to tell how many calories you're burning in a given day but, in general, the more intense your workouts, the longer they last, and the more often you workout each week, the more calories you'll be burning.

Eating more raw fruits and vegetables will make a huge difference in helping you lose weight.

About the Author

Yuri Elkaim is a world-renowned fitness, nutrition, and weight loss expert. He is the creator Fitter U and Treadmill Trainer, author of Eating for Energy, and the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for men's soccer program at the University of Toronto. His trademarked 12-week Fitter U iPod workout program has been helping thousands of people around the world get in shape and lose weight fast without the cost and inconvenience of hiring a trainer. Go to http://tinyurl.com/fitteru1 now to get your FREE Fitter U workout and "How to Get Fit and Lose Weight Fast" report!