Getting into shape and improving your fitness is not something that happens overnight.
Whether you’ve been out of the gym for a while, haven’t been before and are looking to start your fitness journey, or else wise, you’ve come to the right place.
Getting into shape requires consistency, dedication, and a plan of action. So, this article will discuss all of these points, answering the question: how long does it take to get into shape?
Spoiler alert: you won’t see overnight results.
What does “getting into shape” mean for you?
To begin with, you need to understand what “getting into shape” means for you. This is because it means different things to everyone, including:
- To lose weight
- To be more active
- To have a visible six-pack
As you can see, these are just a few of the definitions. However, yours may differ slightly, but that’s okay! They’re supposed to be different.
Create a plan and stick to it for the best results
If you’re looking to get into shape, then you’re going to need a plan.
While it may be okay to work out without a plan for a while, structure is key. You need to know what you’re doing and when you’re doing it to see the best results.
For example, you may choose to work out three times a week (a good number for beginners) – performing one run and two weights sessions.
Being intentional with your actions will allow you to track and remain on target towards your goals.
To take it a step further, you can follow an online fitness program or work with a personal trainer. However, this isn’t necessary. You can just as easily create your own workout plan after a little knowledge of a few exercises.
How does nutrition affect fitness?
The big question: how does nutrition affect fitness? The answer is massively.
You could workout five times a week, but if you’re eating either too much or too little, you’ll see no results.
You need to adopt a sustainable and realistic approach to nutrition. For example, this could include having a cheat day once a week, eating healthier/more fruits and vegetables, and not restricting yourself entirely.
Many people have a problem with restricting their diet too much. They binge on unhealthy foods, usually in a spiral (doing it over and over again).
Don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and then. We’re not saying you need to eat dessert every night, but once or twice a week should satisfy that sweet tooth craving.
How long does it take to start seeing results?
If you remain consistent with working out, then you can expect to see results in as little as six to eight weeks, but definitely within three to six months, as mentioned by Healthline.
Remember: Getting into shape and achieving your goals does not happen overnight – you must remain patient. Therefore, we recommend setting short-term goals to help monitor your progress and to keep up motivation on your journey to your long-term goal, for example: getting into shape.
What about muscle memory when looking to get back into shape?
If you were previously active, whether you considered yourself a “gym rat” or enjoyed running several times a week, then you can likely expect to get back into shape much sooner than others.
Why?
This is because of muscle memory. Your body remembers the exercises, how to perform them, and the change it went through previously. Therefore, you can expect to re-gain your fitness much sooner.
Consistency is crucial when looking to get into shape
Finally, we wanted to illustrate just how important consistency is.
It’s much better to work out regularly, say three times a week than it is to work out seven days a week, one week, no times the following week, and so forth.
So, find a plan and routine that best suits your lifestyle to see the greatest results.
The bottom line
This article answered how long it takes to get back into shape. And the answer is: anywhere from two months to upwards of a year. However, the answer really depends on how you define “being in shape.”
It may take less time for some or longer for others. However, what matters is that you remain consistent in both diet and exercise.
Oh, and make sure to perform exercises you enjoy, whether that’s lifting weights, cycling, or running. If you enjoy your workouts, then you’re more likely to remain motivated, stick to your plan, and work towards your goals.