The truth is...it depends. It depends on where you're starting with your own fitness level...it depends on how intensely and INTELLIGENTLY you're training (length of time is less important than how hard you're pushing yourself), it depends on how well you're eating, it depends on how much water you're drinking, the supplements you're taking, the amount of sleep you're getting and how much stress you're allowing to effect you.

 

 Lift heavy weights.. or even moderate ones. If you want your muscle-building or "toning" results to take YEARS instead of months, by all means stick to the little 3 pound beauty bells. If you want results withing MONTHS or in some cases even WEEKS, lift heavy. Challenge yourself. Start with a weight you can lift for 8-12 reps with proper form. If you can do more than 12 reps, the weight is too light.

 Eat CLEAN.. stop kidding yourself. I say that bluntly because many women (I myself am guilty) try to convince ourselves that things we do are okay or healthy. Those 100 calorie snack packs? They're not good for you and they're not doing your waistline any favors! Throw out the packaged, processed, junk food and stick to clean, natural, wholesome foods. You'll feel energized, healthy, and your body, skin and attitude will GLOW.

 Stop drinking alcohol! If you're serious about your health and fitness, this won't be an issue.

 Try to get your 8 hours of sleep.

 Keep stress levels low by finding ways to relax; meditation, yoga, bubble baths. When you're stressed, raised cortisol levels contribute to abdominal fat storage and can make your health and fitness goals slow considerably.

 Stay positive, there will be bumps in the road. You will make mistakes. But every time you "give up" you have to start over and it just sets you back more time. If you mess up a meal, fix it the very next meal!