Very frustrated.
So, just finished week #5, and have been very true to the program. Have lifted weights 5 days a week for the last 5 weeks, without skipping any. Have failed at each set, as intended. Have pushed myself very hard, and have seen decent progress when it comes to the numbers I can LIFT..
But visibly.. no progress at all. I’m the exact same weight I was when I started, I have NO muscle showing anywhere, etc.
BUT I get to see that my husband has managed to make crazy visible gains doing EXACTLY the same thing I am! His delts are popping out, his biceps are much more noticable, and holy crap, when he’s actually lifting, he looks great.
On the other hand, in a moment of sheer frustration, I asked if my triceps even show when I was lifting for them yesterday. Even with skull crushers - NOPE.
Ugh.
April 25, 2009 at 6:03 am
Keep on going strong. It all takes time - as long as you stick to your plan, it will work out.
Is your nutrition as well planed and organized as your training?
Give your body a month to show results.
Kind regards, Theo
April 25, 2009 at 6:10 am
The scale lies. As you replace fat with muscle, your weight will often not change much for long periods of time. Try taking monthly body measurements instead of using the scale.
Also, like Theo said, make sure your nutrition is right so that your body has what it needs to get results. And keep in mind that men gain muscle more easily than women because of all our testosterone.
Good look, and don’t give up. These things take time.
April 25, 2009 at 6:34 am
I guess part of my problem with this whole deal is that I used to be freakishly strong with little effort, and put on muscle really, really easy.
Even after my car accident, being bed ridden, and then not being able to do much at all for years… my freakish quads never went away, or down much/at all. Even my lower back is ridiculously strong - not bad for someone who was never supposed to walk properly again!
I assumed that same ability was gonna also apply to the upper body, as I started working on it. I never did do upper body at ALL in my teens, so it was understandable why I never developed there.
We’d both gone into this assuming *I* would have quicker results than him, based on my genetics and his body type - he’s smaller, doesn’t put on muscle as easily. That’s part of my frustration, too!
I’m also frustrated (sorry for ranting, LOL!) at this set of 3 weeks. This is the 3 weeks where we do slllow 4 count up and 4 count down. So, we’re not seeing bigger numbers than we did the first 3 weeks, so kinda feels like a setback. Yes, intellectually I "get it".. there’s just something psychologically satisfying about writing ever increasing numbers down, ya know?
After next week, week 6, we go to "explosive" lifting, and that’ll definitely be more fun.
After week 10, when we go back and do week 1 for fun and compare the numbers.. we’re gonna reevaluate. I’m really thinking I’d like to do much shorter sets with much heavier weight.
April 26, 2009 at 6:38 am
I totaly understant where you are coming from,, It took me 2 years to loose 20 lbs. But i am happy with my progress, Just keep lifting, and do you cardio, and eat right, and it will all fall into place.. It might not happen exactly when you want it, but dont give up…