First weeks progress

syntheticocean · Post by **syntheticocean** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:10 pm

I don't think I've ever actually stuck with a workout plan for more than a couple of days before. I'm sore as hell, but I'm seeing an improvement already. In a few more weeks I'm going to have body fat measured again. It started out at 18.4

Here is one week of hard work, and a little tanning in there to improve paleness

Week 0

Week 1

cassiegose · Post by **cassiegose** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:37 am

Good job.... usually one week isn't enough time to see a noticable difference but I think I can see a difference in your upper ab area. Keep up the hard work and i'm sure you will see major changes in the upcoming future!

syntheticocean · Post by **syntheticocean** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:13 pm

it's weird that I have improvements in upper ab area since for abs I've been doing mainly knee raises. Wouldn't that work lower abs? I'm still a bit fuzzy on all this working out stuff.

cassiegose · Post by **cassiegose** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 3:04 pm

Awe thats ok... this health and fitness stuff can be pretty confusing at times. :)

Yes, knee raises do work your lower abs. However, keep in mind that you can't "spot reduce" (lose weight in specific places) when losing weight. I'm assuming your goals for working out are to build a bit of muscle and tone up? When losing fat and toning up your body will let go of the fat as it so chooses and you really can't make it go faster from specific body parts.

When I really start to lean up I tend to notice it first in face/chest/upper abs. As I continue to cut fat I eventually begin to notice it in middle abs/thighs and finally in lower abs. I believe the upper abs are usually the first to show, then the middle, then the lower (with an extremely strict diet and exercise program). Soooo I'm assuming the reason that you're upper abs appear to be showing a bit more is becuase you've lost a bit of fat with your workout this week and its showing up in your upper abs.

With that said... the apparent progress in the second picture could also be the result of other factors. Tanning can make you appear thinner (which is why bodybuilders often lather up in tanner before a contest). Reducing sodium can help you shed some water weight which can also make you appear thinner. Lastly, you could have just been flexing or standing differently in the second pic. (Not to dash your hopes... just wanted to show you how other factors can make you appear thinner/more fit than you really are). But yes, it does seem like you've made a bit of progress in the first week.

Keep up the hard work and keep asking questions if you have any. As I said, this stuff can be confusing.

Cassie :)

syntheticocean · Post by **syntheticocean** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 3:39 pm

I measured arms before I started lifting, and they were 12.25 at the biceps. Today I measured and they are 13.25

I know the growth will slow down but I'm amazed that after 1 week I feel this good, and feel like I look much better.

cassiegose · Post by **cassiegose** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:34 pm

Hey that is really great! Keep up the hard work! :)