I've been weightlifting at the gym with my brother at least 2-3 days a week for the last 2 months. I recently noticed a week or so ago, after my workouts, the soreness has decreased in the days following, tremendously. No longer am I walking around with locked knees because my legs are going to give out, or with T-rex arms because my biceps are locked up solid.
I love the feeling I get after I come back, and my body feels totally relaxed and used up. I have noticed I get anxious if I go more than a couple of days without going.
Physically I've noticed my muscles have started getting harder, like they are flexing even when they are at rest. I've started losing weight, my wife has mentioned it multiple times, and when I feel parts of my body throughout the day, it feels like certain places where fat had built up are now "smaller". I also notice that just moving around has gotten easier. Getting up from seated, while squatted, climbing stairs and ladders, moving furniture etc, has all gotten a little bit easier. I haven't gotten on the scale, but I suspect I've lost maybe 10 pounds, but it might be more. I'm still probably 40 pounds overweight so there is plenty more room to improve.
Mentally, I've noticed my confidence has grown and I feel much more comfortable with my body. I have the confidence to start limiting my calories in a meaningful way now, and I'm also currently psyching myself up to start running on my off days.
I used to dread gym days, but now, I get excited to push myself and crave the broken down feeling it used to give me when I was more out of shape.
I think the drive that keeps me going back, is the fear of losing what I've gained.
Anyways, what has kept the rest of you going? How long have you been going and how long until you feel like you started hitting your goals? Any advice for someone like me in this early stage?
Much love, thanks everyone!
In terms of vanity, my wife likes the results and so do I. I also recently had a general checkup and the doctor found exactly nothing, which is pretty rare for a guy the wrong side of 40. As an aside, I am in better shape than when I was in my 20s which is pretty encouraging too.
I also give myself no excuses. I do not pay for a gym membership, I work from home and my squat rack is right next to my desk. If I have a "read-only" meeting I can bang a bunch of deadlifts while listening. I have an awesome employer who has no problem with me fielding meetings from my phone in the woods (as long as I am sensible, which I am) while running.