Every now and then I see people say that all newbie gains in strength are due solely to neural adaptions in the muscles, and that no hypertrophy takes place for the first 4-6 weeks of training.

I've heard a few different opinions on this, some being that size gains (i.e. hypertrophy) DO occur right from the get go, and others say that indeed almost no hypertrophy takes place.

What are other people's EXPERIENCES on this? How long did it take to start gaining size?

cheers,
-shaun

Newbies (people that never lifted before in there life, or people that have trained but never trained correctly)

Gains and body changes should be very obvious. A lot of the people i train will go up 10lbs in weight in the first month because of all the diet changes, supplements, water etc. Muscle gains do happen over time but can happen at any moment they are not linear, so its important to have your diet, supps and sleep together because gains can take place at anytime.

You should def being seeing gains (weight, body changes in before after pics, strength) in the first 4-6weeks if not then something isn't right.

Its hard to put a set number on how much you'll gain but as a rough estimate in 3months time a newbie that has there training, diet, sleeping, supp, and metabolic issues together should be gaining anywhere from 15-30pounds (maybe more in some cases)

Add in a bodyfat reducing program and you got yourself a really different looking person

I fit into the newbie categorie, I have lifted a bit before but not much and that was just benching and few curls.. so does not count much. But I did read on wannabetbig.com that as a beginner as EFFORT stated, you can gain 15lbs (about 9 of lean muscle rest is fat) in 1 month. But that depends on the following.

-Eating about 3500-4500 calories per day.

-Protein intake in grams is a minimum of 2x your bodyweight per day. So for instance I weight 169 so I need to take in at least 338g of protein.

-Making your workout around the big 3 I.E. : Bench, Squat, Deads ( I am following Mark Rippetoes program for this, best one for beginners ).

-Last but not least don't over train yourself get your rest in.