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How long should I expect to start seeing results from weightlifting?

Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:00 am
Posted by NatalbanyTigerFan
On the water somewhere
Member since Oct 2007
8564 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:00 am
My daily routine for the last 6 weeks:
4 x 25 dumbbell curls
4 x 25 barbell curls
4 x 25 skull crushers
4 x 25 cable rows
4 sets of 25 calf raises
5 sets of 10 push-ups

I'm going pretty light on the weight for now. Should I increase it for faster results?
Looking to tone up and drop a few pounds at the same time.
This post was edited on 2/3/26 at 8:08 am
Posted by TigerReich
Member since Dec 2024
887 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:10 am to
Progressive overload FTW. Reduce rep range to 8-10 or even 3-5 and significantly increase weights. 25 reps is cardio for me
Posted by Salmon
I helped draft the email
Member since Feb 2008
85652 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:21 am to
quote:

Should I increase it for faster results?


You need to increase your weights, yes, not for faster results, but for results

If you can do the weight 4x25, it is way too light
Posted by Fe_Mike
Member since Jul 2015
3723 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:24 am to
While this is better than nothing and I don't want to discourage you, this is not a good way to work out. It's fine as 'exercise' but it is not 'weightlifting'.

That being said, if it's all you are willing to do/can do, small modifications I'd make are replacing your calf raises with lunges and replacing your pushups with incline DB press (assuming you have a bench).

Also as said, decrease your reps at least to 10-15 range and increase weight.

It will take months to 'see' results from your routine as is, unless you are nailing your dieting.
Posted by NatalbanyTigerFan
On the water somewhere
Member since Oct 2007
8564 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 8:30 am to
quote:

If you can do the weight 4x25, it is way too light

I figured that was an issue. I'll increase the weight and decrease the reps.

I don't have any other equipment other than dumbbells and a curl bar with a few free weights.

Thanks everyone for the advice
Posted by guedeaux
Member since Jan 2008
13842 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 9:18 am to
quote:

I'll increase the weight and decrease the reps.


just go slow with increases over the next couple of weeks to avoid injury. Maybe 10-15% per day until you are failing on your first set in the 10-15 rep range.
Posted by rebelrouser
Columbia, SC
Member since Feb 2013
12992 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 9:46 am to
quote:

I figured that was an issue. I'll increase the weight and decrease the reps.

I don't have any other equipment other than dumbbells and a curl bar with a few free weights.


Compound exercises are king. I would do some research and focus on those type movements (push up, pull up, squat, deadlift, lunge, good morning).
Posted by specchaser
lafayette
Member since Feb 2008
2719 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 9:47 am to
Don’t work the same muscle groups without 1-2 days rest
Use more compound lifts , bench , rows , pull downs, shoulder press , squats
Posted by TFLEX
TX
Member since Jun 2023
329 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:10 am to
Look at YouTube, etc. Tons of apps, plans, tips, programs available.

I recommend trying a bunch of different stuff, if you find a variation you actually enjoy- you are way more likely to stick with it and make progress.

Classes,crossfit, core lifts, free weights, body weight, so many ways to do it.

I've been a coach/trainer for 20 years.

I have tried most things. I honestly just love lifting heavy, I do compete in strongman some- but mostly because my kids are doing it and if they're in a show and I'm there I may as well.

Good luck.
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
43724 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:12 am to
Follow a plan.

The fact that you started you list with all arms is telling.
Posted by NatalbanyTigerFan
On the water somewhere
Member since Oct 2007
8564 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:17 am to
quote:

The fact that you started you list with all arms is telling.

You must have missed the part where I said the only equipment that I have are dumbbells and a curl bar with free weights.

I'm 55 and just looking to tone up, drop a few pounds and stay limber,
This post was edited on 2/3/26 at 10:18 am
Posted by ronricks
Member since Mar 2021
11387 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:19 am to
Its 85% diet. Wtf are you eating? That is what matters not how many curls you are doing.
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
43724 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:19 am to
I wasn't trying to be mean. Maybe you 'll get results from that but it's probably mostly burning calories.
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
43724 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:21 am to
DB Strength from PPSA is a good one.
Posted by NatalbanyTigerFan
On the water somewhere
Member since Oct 2007
8564 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:21 am to
quote:

Wtf are you eating?

Mostly meats and vegetables, small portions of rice a few times a week.

Had pork roast and sweet potatoes last night.
I cut out all sugar back in August, except for an occasional small piece of king cake once a week.
Posted by Homey the Clown
Member since Feb 2009
6038 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:35 am to
quote:

You must have missed the part where I said the only equipment that I have are dumbbells and a curl bar with free weights.


Rear Delt Flies
Shoulder Press
Lunges
Farmers Walk
Straight Leg Deadlifts
Squats
Bent Over Rows

These can all be done with only dumbbells.

Get an adjustable fold up bench for like $100 and then you can throw in the following:

Chest Press (incline and flat)
Chest Flies (incline and flat)

Get a door frame chin up bar from Amazon for $30 so you can do pullups.

Stop focusing so much on just arms. Your arms will tone up plenty just from chest/shoulder presses and pullups/rows.

That's my two cents.

Posted by Randall Savauge
Member since Aug 2021
629 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 10:53 am to
https://www.youtube.com/@musclemonsters

when i started i bought a bench and dumbbells. Found this guy on youtube and did the 3-4 exercises for each muscle group 2x per week, sets of 3x10. had really good results.

Back/Biceps
Cest/Triceps
Legs/Shoulders
This post was edited on 2/3/26 at 10:54 am
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37180 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 12:05 pm to
why are you trolling? literally wtf do you get out of putting up a fake post like this.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37180 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 12:07 pm to
quote:

You must have missed the part where I said the only equipment that I have are dumbbells and a curl bar with free weights.

I'm 55 and just looking to tone up, drop a few pounds and stay limber,
.

assuming you are being serious....how the frick is anything in the OP going to help with those goals?

1) get your diet in order
2) follow a proper program....ppsa DB strength 1 & 2 as mentioned is great place to start, just start light
3) get your hormone levels checked
Posted by PillageUrVillage
Mordor
Member since Mar 2011
15824 posts
Posted on 2/3/26 at 12:07 pm to
quote:

Get an adjustable fold up bench for like $100 and then you can throw in the following:


I have one of these Flybird adjustable benches and it is pretty solid for the price. Folds up and easily stores under my bed when not in use.

I use strictly dumbbells for all of my lifting and there is plenty you can do with dumbbells only.

Dumbbell press
Incline/decline DB press
Chest flys
Bent over row
Incline row
DB lat pullovers
Overhead tricep extension
Skull crushers
DB kickback
Military press
Lateral raises
Rear delt fly
Incline DB curl
Preacher curl
Hammer curl
Goblet squat
Bulgarian split squat
DB step ups (I use a jump box for this)
DB Romanian deadlift

Those are some of the ones I do weekly. I may have left a couple out. But as others have said, increase the weight and focus on fewer reps, rep to failure, and progressive overload. Then it will take months before you really start seeing results. But you will feel amazing. (Once DOMS goes away )

ETA: I highly recommend keeping a journal to track your progress. It also helps with motivation.
This post was edited on 2/3/26 at 12:31 pm
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