If you’re like me, you may have started working out and lifting weights with the goal of gaining muscle. But as you lift, it can be tough to tell if you’re actually making progress. It can be frustrating when you don’t see any noticeable changes in the mirror or on the scale, and it can be tempting to give up.
But don’t worry cos there are actually signs that you’re gaining muscle, even if you can’t see it yet. And trust me, it’s a great feeling when you start to see those signs and know that all your hard work is paying off.
I remember when I first started lifting weights, I was so confused about whether I was putting on muscle or fat. I would step on the scale and feel discouraged when I didn’t see any change. But then I started paying attention to other signs, like how my clothes fit, my energy levels, and even my strength in the gym.
And guess what? I was actually putting on muscle! It just wasn’t as noticeable as I thought it would be. But as I continued to lift and pay attention to these signs, I could see and feel the progress I was making.
So if you’re feeling unsure about your progress, don’t give up! Keep lifting and pay attention to these signs. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 10 signs of gaining muscle in females, and you’ll be able to see for yourself that you’re on the right track. Let’s get started!
Top Ten Signs You’re Gaining Muscle as a Female
Strength training is a fantastic way for women to improve their physical health, build confidence, and achieve their fitness goals. Here are the top ten signs that you’re making progress and gaining muscle.
You’re Not as Sore
Gone are the days of waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck! As you get stronger and your body adjusts to resistance training, you’ll notice that you’re experiencing less muscle soreness after each workout. This is because your muscles are rebuilding and becoming stronger, so they can handle more stress.
You’re Lifting Heavier Weights
As your muscles grow and become stronger, you’ll find that you can lift heavier weights with ease. At the start of your training program, you might struggle to squat 50 kgs for ten reps, but with time, you’ll find that you can maintain good form and even do more reps.
Your Selfies Look Different
Comparison is the thief of joy, but there’s no harm in taking selfies to track your progress. You’ll notice that your arms, shoulders, and midsection are looking harder, more muscular, and less chunky. You might weigh more than when you started, but if you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, who cares? You look fantastic!
Daily Activities Get Easier
Strength training has a positive impact on your daily life, making everyday tasks easier. You’ll find that walking up stairs, lifting heavy objects, and even gardening are a breeze. Pushing and pulling doors and stacking objects on shelves are also more manageable.
Increased Measurements
If you’re looking for tangible results, consider taking body measurements. Take measurements of your arms, waistline, thighs, and chest before and after your training program. An increase in measurement could indicate muscle gain, but it’s important to combine this data with other information to make sure you’re gaining muscle and not just fat.
Better Mind-Muscle Connection
The mind-muscle connection refers to your ability to mentally connect with the muscle you’re working. The stronger the mind-muscle connection, the more muscle fibers you can recruit, leading to a stronger contraction. As you gain experience, you’ll find that you can focus more on working the target muscle and less on everything else.
Better Posture
Gaining muscle, especially in your core and back, supports your spine and improves your posture. You’ll stand taller and feel more confident.
People Notice/ You Get Compliments
It takes time to see the results of your hard work, but others will notice the changes in your physique. Friends, family, and coworkers, especially those you haven’t seen in a while, will give you compliments and positive feedback. This is a great sign that you’re on the right track.
Your Clothes Fit Differently
As you gain muscle and lose fat, your clothes will start to fit differently. Even if your weight remains the same, you might find that your jeans are looser in the thigh and waist area, while your shirt sleeves are tighter. This is because muscle is denser than fat and takes up less space.
You Feel Better Overall
Strength training has numerous benefits for both your body and mind. Exercise boosts the production of “happy hormones,” like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, giving you a mood boost. Building muscle and losing fat also provides a sense of accomplishment and a reward you can see and feel.
Takeaway
Gaining muscle as a female can be a challenging process, but it’s important to remember that progress is not always just about what we see in the mirror. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to measure your progress, be on the lookout for these signs!
If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs, it’s a clear indication that you’re heading in the right direction. With persistence and hard work, you’ll soon reach your fitness goals. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results, the journey is worth it in the end.
In the meantime, don’t let the visual aspects of your strength training be the sole focus. Instead, think about the positive impact it’s having on your health right now. A stronger, healthier body leads to a better mood and increased functional fitness, making your hard work and investment of time truly worth it.
So, keep up the fantastic work, ladies! You’ve got this! Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards a happier, healthier you. Don’t give up and keep striving for your best self!
Dinky, a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey, has been working as a writer for more than four years, covering a wide variety of themes including current affairs, politics, fashion, celebrity news, and fitness. Oh, and when Dinky isn’t blogging about her favorite television shows, you can find her marathoning the very same shows on her couch.