i'm a 20-year-old female and i started lifting weights a little over a month ago. so far when i flex i see a difference. however, i don't notice that i'm getting any firmer. for example, when my arms are completely relaxed, i don't see the muscle there; it looks the same as it did before i started the weightlifting. i heard that doing higher weights/lower reps would help "show" the muscle more, and that's what i've been doing, but i don't see any difference. why is this the case? what can i do to make the muscle more visible at rest?
2006-09-10 17:49:08 · 6 answers · asked by shrimpylicious 3 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
i've also been doing cardio like walking and running
2006-09-10 17:49:31 · update #1
A month is not a long time in terms of weight training results. But keep at it, the fact that you notice a difference when you flex is a good sign.
By saying you want your muscles to show, it can mean a couple of things. One, that they stand out because of increased size. High weight / low reps is a good way to build muscle size and strength. The other way they might show is by increased definition. Typically, once an athletes muscles are large enough to stand out, better detail and definition can be achieved by lower weight / higher reps.
For now, keep using higher weights / lower reps. Here's a few tips to help your workouts:
Give your muscles time to re-build between workouts. The harder you lift, the more time you need between workouts. No less than 3 days, no more than 7.
After a workout, your body will work quickly to start re-building your muscles. Eat something light but high in protein 30 - 45 minutes after your workout to offer your system what it needs for this.
2006-09-10 18:49:19 · answer #1 · answered by dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just stick to it and you will get the results you want. Overtime, your muscles will become more "compact" (firmness). And a relatively low bodyfat and tight/firm skin will not hurt.
The number of reps will not play a role on wheter you gain, or lose, muscle mass. That will be determined by the weight used. Just give it some time. BTW, you cannot "tone" a muscle, but the muscles will take on "shape" overtime.
If you are not concerned with losing weight or gaining a bit of muscle, then don't worry about using heavy weights. Just do it.
2006-09-11 01:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by The Original Guru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your diet is clean no processed foods no Soda pop and no sugar eat good carbs. It also takes time to see changes don`t get down on yourself over time you will see changes. You should see changes in six to eight months if you stick with it good luck if you have and question just ask me. Life long weight lifter :)
2006-09-11 01:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depended on your sex,you should have light weights and high reps.If u wanna gain some muscles don`t do cardio.try to make your sustenance full of proteins.
2006-09-11 01:01:09 · answer #4 · answered by EasternWind 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU HEARD WRONG. DOING HIGHER WEIGHT AND LESS REPS WILL MAKE YOU FORM A BULKIER UNDEFINED MUSCLE. YOU WANT TO DO LIGHT-MEDIUM WEIGHTS AND LOTS OF REPS FOR LEAN/TONED DEFINITION. ONCE YOU ACHIEVE THAT LOOK, YOU CAN THEN SWITCH TO HIGHER WEIGHTS, LESS REPS TO CHOOSE HOW BIG YOU WANT THE DEFINITION TO BE. YOU MUST FIRST GAIN THE DEFINITION THOUGH.
2006-09-11 00:57:11 · answer #5 · answered by sac_baby_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read some muscle building tips and more on this site to help you with it
2006-09-11 00:52:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋