Contrary to what you might see on social media or hear from your buddy at the gym, most people won't be able to get significantly ripped in three months. You can lose a few pounds of fat and/or gain a few pounds of muscle in that time, but three months is too short of a time frame to see drastic results.
Setting realistic goals and focusing on sustainable habits will yield the best long-term results. In summary, with a well-structured program, commitment, and proper nutrition, it is possible to make noticeable progress toward getting ripped in three months, but individual results will vary.
It's possible with a strict diet and lots of cardio. 3 months is plenty of time if you are really dedicated.
In short...
You'll typically start to see results in 6-8 weeks, and more significant gains after three months. Yet however long it takes, developing your muscles and making them stronger is something we should all be doing to improve our overall health and quality of life.
Fitness is a lifestyle, but 3 months can be the catalyst for lifelong healthy habits and a totally transformed physique. So pick a goal, find a plan, and commit to your own before and after. The results will speak for themselves.
For the majority of people, it takes roughly 130 quality hours to get fit. A lot of people ask me where I got that number. It's equivalent of training hard, an hour a day, 5 days a week, for 6 months. Your hours can't be half-ass hours, either.
Age is often used as an excuse to avoid fitness, but the truth is—it's never too late to build muscle and strength.
While the number will be unique for you, most people can expect to gain between a half-pound to two pounds of muscle in a month with a targeted resistance training program and correct nutrition, usually including a surplus of calories. Gaining weight involves more than just adding muscle mass.
For a cutting diet aimed at muscle retention and fat loss he suggests: Lean proteins: Chicken breast, turkey, fish, tofu. Complex carbs: potatoes, quinoa, oats—these are high in fiber and keep you full while on a low-calorie diet. (For example, new potatoes are one of the most satiating foods.)
The Timeline for Building Muscle
Building muscle takes time and consistency, so if you are flexing in front of the mirror daily, wondering what's going on, just be patient. On average, most people expect noticeable muscle growth within four to six months of starting a strength training program.
How long does it take to lose 30 pounds? Assuming your goal is to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week, it'll take about 4 months to lose 30 pounds. To do so, eat lots of vegetables, high protein foods, and whole grains. Drink at least 8 oz of water daily, and make an exercise plan to focus on cardio and strength training.
However, with consistency and dedication, it is possible to make significant muscle gain in 3 months. For example, if someone starts lifting weights three times a week and eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, they could expect to see noticeable muscle growth within three months.
Muscle and Cardio
Noticeable changes (2-4 months): More noticeable changes typically occur within several months, including weight loss and muscle tone. Your genetics, muscle fiber makeup, and the quality of your workouts affect your strength if you are well-conditioned.
Across the board, the trifecta of proper diet, regular exercise, and good sleep—especially when supported by a team of experts—helps actors achieve their physique goals fast. “The closer you get to your goal, the more important nutrition is.
“Three to five hours of lower-intensity cardio, spread across four to five weekly sessions, is usually enough to get the job done,” Finn says. But if you can do less and still get the results you want, you should.
Lean muscle refers to muscle tissue that has a low level of fat. It's the kind of muscle that gives you those well-defined abs, bulging biceps, and a booty that could make Beyoncé jealous. In other words, lean muscle is what makes you look like a Greek god or goddess without having to live on Mount Olympus.
Typically, muscle mass and strength increase steadily from birth and reach their peak at around 30 to 35 years of age. After that, muscle power and performance decline slowly and linearly at first, and then faster after age 65 for women and 70 for men.
Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred is a comprehensive 30-day exercise plan to help you kickstart your weight loss journey, dramatically transforming not just your physique but also your level of fitness and self-confidence.
Strength typically peaks in your 20s, providing a strong foundation for fitness and muscle building. In your 30s, muscle development reaches its peak, requiring consistent training to maintain strength. Hormonal changes in your 40s can lead to muscle loss, impacting overall strength and performance.
The 1000-Hour Rule is a provision that allows temporary employees to qualify for certain benefits, such as participation in an employer's retirement plan, after working 1000 hours within a 12-month period.
In Carl Richards' fantastic personal finance book “The One-Page Financial Plan,” he discusses what he calls the 72-hour rule. The rule is quite simple. For all non-essential purchases, before you make the purchase, wait 72 hours.