Mirror Psychology

[jump100]

I was just wondering how some of you deal with the mirror psychology. Let me explain – I have been working out for about four months now and when I go to the gym I get a really nice pump. My arms look big for a few hours, but a few hours later they look skinnier than ever, especially during my days off (weekends). How can one stay motivated when the mirror is telling you that your growth is marginal, and if you are having a bad day, you may conclude that you have not advanced one inch. Do bodybuilders (amateurs and professionals) deal with sort of issue?

[TOP]

don't use a mirror as you're guide to gains. Use a tape measure. Make regular measurements of body parts, that's the best way to see progress

[hellomycognomen]

Average muscle gain per year is somewhere between 5-15lbs depending on how long you have been training and your age.

If you are young and just starting out you can hope to be towards the 15lbs spectrum if all goes well.

As you can see gaining lean muscles mass is quite difficult.

One way you can counter the "mirror psychology" is to reduce your body fat percentage, this will help your muscles become more visible.

Side note: If you are on gear the rules dont apply.

[TOP]

Oh and obviously, don't measure after a workout. The parts you trained will be bigger after a workout

[hellomycognomen]

Also depends on how you train and what your goals are.

Exp: compare bodybuilders to powerlifters.

Different programs stimulate different type of growth.

[jump100]

Thanks for the comments, mates. I think that one of the reasons why people quit, it's not only because working out is tough, but because the gains are extremely slow. I will press on, and I shall overcome.

[TOP]

unless you're on aas, visible gains in a year are very difficult to see (unless you're a newbie). Just keep in mind that a good diet is about 70% of your overall change

[Schwarzenegger]

I noticed if I stock up on simple carbs after a workout and throughout the day, I stay fuller and the muscle doesn't deflate as much. Everyone is different tho.

And psychologically lately I have been wearing an oversized shirt with a tank top underneath at the gym. Once I get a pump going I take the shirt off so I only see myself at the largest possible. I rarely flex in the mirror at home so as to have that mental image of myself with a gym pump. That way u dont see urself looking flat and mentally u feel like u are seeing gains.

Just a mental trick really but it keeps u going

[CrookedBones]

My metric system:

1. Strength gains,
2. mass gains, and
3. how much tail I get

Mirror is good for finding your weak spots...