how fast can you build muscle?

[emmab]

i read that the total muscle you can gain in a set period of time is dependent on how far you are from your potential. so i guess when you start you can build faster?
anyway, i am a recovering anorexic and trying to build muscle while gaining not too much fat. i have been doing some cardio but mainly weight training for about 3-4weeks now. i have noticed i seem to have changed FAST. my arms in particular seem to have added a good 2cm in this time, which both amazes and freaks me out.
my dietitian said it is probably muscle gain, as i was in her eyes glycogen depleted before. i have noticed improved strength, but dont want to delude myself if it isnt possible to gain strength/mass that quickly
any ideas or thoughts
my routine is as follows (was designed for me with my complex needs re anorexia and osteoporosis)
5min warm up on treadmill/x-trainer etc
all weights are 3 sets of 12 and my weights are light cos i'm just starting and need to care re stress fractures
leg extensions 21kg
bicep curls 5kg
tricep pulldowns 8kg
dumbell upright rows 4kg
leg drops with fitball
bridges with fitball
tricep kickbacks 4kg
shoulder press 2kg
lat pulldowns 14kg
then 10-15mins on treadmill/exercycle
sometimes followed by 1km swim

i am a bit scared by how bigger i seem/feel and am worried it isnt really muscle but fat!
also, i do my workouts in the morning (after a light breakfast) then go to work, so what sort of post workout intake should i be having (if any)
thanks
btw i am 35yo female, 164cm and up to about 38kg from 33 in jan. dietitian reckons gain has been largely muscle but i fear she is protecting me!!!

 

[pintoca]

Hi, think about it this way, to gain a kilo of muscle, you will need to eat about 7500 cals in EXCESS of those you burn, plus TRAIN really really heavy, in a very specific way.

Believe me, gaining muscle (AKA LBM -Lean body mass-) is probably harder than losing fat. Building new muscle is an extremely taxing process that requires an external stimulus (the training) with the correct caloric superavit, so its something that won't happen by coincidence or without really trying for it.

If you are a recovering anorexic, chances are your body fat is low already and your muscles are simply showing ("toning", how I hate that word).

How much are you eating?

What are your goals? ( I know you want to gain weight, question is, to what point, what is your timeframe)

Once again, don't worry: you won't get too big or too muscular

 

[alex2678]

I know it's easier to say than to do, but PLEASE try to overcome the anorexia. Get professional treatment, join support groups...At 35 years old, you're on your way to having severe bone problems and health issues as you get older if you don't do something right now. Gaining muscle is a step in the right direction and every cm that you gain should be seen as somethng to be proud of not frowned upon or scared of. You'll never get too big or muscular due to hormonal differences in men and women, but gaining muscle AND bodyfat would be highly suggested and desired at the moment.

I'm sure the women on the women's forum would be more than willing to help you out if you get lost or have questions. Take a look at pictures from women's fitness magazines and get that image in your head as being ideal. The whole "thin is in" image protrayal in the media is unhealthy, dangerous and unattractive to the majority of the population. Keep yourself focused and stay positive and you'll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and look 1000% better.

 

[*Bunny*]

Alex you're on a roll here! Great post!!!

**You must spread some Karma around before giving it to alex2678 again.**