It seems like everywhere you look, people are talking about getting fit. Magazines promise that you can have a bikini body in just two weeks, and commercials for the latest exercise gadgets promise to help you get lean and toned in no time at all.
But how long does it take to get fit? And is it even possible to do so quickly? In this post, we’ll take a look at what it takes to get fit and how long you can realistically expect it to take.
So whether you’re just starting on your fitness journey or are looking for ways to speed things up, read on for some tips!
What you will learn
Factors that affect the time
Just as there is no single answer to the question of how long it takes to get in shape, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reaching peak physical condition.
The amount of time it will take to see results depends on some important individual factors, including the starting point of fitness, the right training program, dedication to training, age, body weight, and gender.
However, with commitment and perseverance, anyone can make significant progress towards their fitness goals. By taking into account the unique challenges and objectives of each individual, it is possible to create a customized plan that will lead to lasting results. With the proper guidance and support, anyone can achieve their fitness goals and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Let’s analyze these individual factors:
the starting point of fitness
How fit you are when you start a workout program is a factor that significantly affects the timing of reaching your goals.
This is because, the fitter you are, the more quickly your body will adapt to the new demands being placed on it.
In contrast, if you are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, your body will take longer to adjust to the new regime. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still achieve your fitness goals, it will just take slightly longer to get there.
The training program
When it comes to starting your fitness journey, the most important part is undoubtedly the training program. This is because a well-structured program will include not only the improvement of all athletic elements but also address all elements related to progress and periodicity.
In other words, it is important to not only focus on becoming stronger, faster, or more flexible but also to set realistic goals and track one’s progress along the way.
Otherwise, it is all too easy to become discouraged and give up on the program entirely. So, if you are looking to start a new fitness journey, be sure to create a training program that is comprehensive and achievable.
Dedication to training
One key to seeing results from a physical fitness program is consistency and commitment.
This means making time for regular exercise, sticking to a workout routine, and not skipping workouts when feeling lazy or pressed for time. It can be difficult to stick to a plan at first, but gradually it will become easier as it becomes a habit.
Those who are consistent with their fitness program will see continual improvements in their strength, endurance, and overall fitness level. In addition, they will be less likely to experience injuries, as their bodies will be better able to handle the demands of physical activity.
For these reasons, it is essential to be consistent and committed if you want to see results from your fitness program.
Age
It is a widely accepted belief that starting to train at an early age gives you a better chance to develop physically and achieve great results in a shorter amount of time. Although this claim is true to some extent, it is important to keep in mind that everyone is different and responds to physical activity in different ways.
For example, someone who begins strength training at the age of 20 will likely see more results than someone who started at the age of 30.
However, the older person will still see some gains if they train consistently and devote enough time to their workout routine.
Body weight
The body weight from which one starts working out definitely has an impact on how much progress is made and how long it takes to see results.
For example, someone who is significantly overweight may have a harder time losing weight than someone who only has a few pounds to lose. Similarly, someone who is very fit may see faster results than someone who is starting from a less fit state.
However, this does not mean that someone with a high starting weight can’t get in shape or that someone who is already in good shape cannot improve their fitness level.
As we said, with dedication and perseverance, anyone can make progress towards their fitness goals.
Approximate time for improvement
In general, most people can expect to see their first degree of improvement within four to eight weeks. This is usually sufficient time to notice an increase in energy levels and stamina, as well as a decrease in body fat. Let’s see for example individual improvements in different qualities.
Cardiovascular improvement – endurance
VO2max is a commonly used measure of someone’s fitness. It’s determined by the maximum amount of oxygen that your body can consume in a short period and is generally achieved through endurance training.
When your body can deliver more oxygen to working muscles, it allows them to produce work for a longer period of time with less effort. The average VO2max for men is approximately 35-40 mL/min/kg and 25-30 mL/min/kg for women. However, elite athletes can have VO2max values that are as high as 85-90 mL/min/kg.
In general, improvements in VO2max range from 5-30%, with more dramatic gains seen in those who are starting from a lower fitness level. For example, unweighted individuals can see 15-20% improvements in their VO2max after a 20-week aerobic training program. This allows them to perform an activity (e.g. running) at a higher intensity without becoming fatigued as quickly.
Muscular strength and endurance
According to a recent study, on average, participants saw a 25 to 100% increase in muscle strength and endurance within three to six months of starting a resistance program.
These results underscore the importance of regular exercise for maintaining a healthy muscular system as well as the body’s energy systems.
Neuromuscular coordination
One of the less-talked-about benefits of exercise is its impact on the neuromuscular coordination of the body. Neuromuscular coordination refers to the communication between the nervous system and the muscles, and it is essential for coordinated movement.
Research has shown that regular exercise can improve neuromuscular coordination, leading to better coordination and balance.
In addition, exercise has been shown to increase the number of neurons in the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function.
Conclusion
In any case, the main takeaway from this article is that you should not be asking how long does it take to get fit because that defeats the purpose of working out in the first place.
Fitness is a lifelong journey, and there’s no need to rush things.
So forget about time and focus on making healthy choices every day so you can feel good both physically and mentally.
