Question:
Is it common to go on a plateau after starting an exercise program?

I started exercising at Curves faithfully about 2 weeks ago and have only lost 1 pound since. Do you think it has to do with exercise or could it be just another plateau?    — Karen B. (posted on March 3, 2002)

March 3, 2002
Karen, It could have to do with the exercise. People will say that 'muscle weighs more than fat'. Well, not true, a pound of muscle and a pound of fat weigh the same. However, a pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. So if you are burning fat and building muscle, you will probably see changes in your measurements even if you don't see any in your weight. A good reason to do measurements periodically.
   — garw

March 3, 2002
I am so glad you posted this, I started a faithful exercise program with cardio and weight training 4-5 days a week(I am now addicted), not loosing even one pound for a month, then *BOOM*, I just lost 2 pounds one day then, 3 the next. I had just read in FITNESS magazine that it takes 4 weeks to see results in an exercise program. Keep up the exercising, it does wonders for the mind and spirit-do I sound like Cleo, ha ha.
   — Angela S.

March 3, 2002
It's definately the muscle. You are probably loosing inches though. Muscle does weigh more than fat so you are likely to increase what the scale says. However, if you try going by your Body Fat Composition (they usually can measure at the gym) you will see great improvements!
   — emilyfink

March 3, 2002
Karen, I work at a Curves in AL, and I'll tell you this: You may not see weight loss as fast (as you'd like), but you will lose inches and body fat percentage, This WILL make you smaller. As your muscle mass increases, your metabolism goes up, and you'll start seeing weight loss. I went through a plateau from hell, but all the time my body was shrinking! Hang in there it get better. 8 ) Donna in AL (247 to 134 and still shrinking)
   — Donna S. C.

March 4, 2002
I am the original poster...I have lost a LOT of inches...I measure 1X/month on the 18th. I can't wait to see how many more I have lost this month since starting Curves. I figured it was the muscle gain that put me on a plateau. Gar...I have seen you post about "a pound is a pound" before...very true! LOL It's funny when people say muscle weighs more. I am seeing positive results all around...energy...emotion etc.
   — Karen B.