Can lifting stall weight loss?

oxers
oxers Posts: 259 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, for about two weeks, I kind of hit a plateau. I kept my calorie intake consistent, did absolutely nothing different, but this was a week or two after I started lifting for the first time. I didn't gain anything, but despite my number crunching, I didn't see the scale move the way I expected it to. I've gotten to know my body pretty well the past few months, and I can always tell when effort is going to be reflected in results. I have seen notable fitness gains in the past few weeks - better endurance, I can run farther and a tiny bit faster, I feel stronger and just overall better - which is why I wasn't worried, but I did think it was odd.

Now, I know you can't gain mass in a caloric deficit, but is it possible to stall weight loss a tad when you begin making a bigger effort to maintain lean muscle?

This is all just for curiosity's sake. I just kind of kept it up, waited it out, and the scale is again ticking downward at pretty much exactly the rate I expect.

Replies

  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    It's really, really common to see a stall or even a slight gain on the scale when you start lifting because your body floods sore muscles with excess fluid to help cushion and repair them. This can mask whatever fat loss is happening in the background. The good news is that it's temporary and you should see the scale start to move in the right direction after a few weeks.
  • azrubael
    azrubael Posts: 65 Member
    It's really, really common to see a stall or even a slight gain on the scale when you start lifting because your body floods sore muscles with excess fluid to help cushion and repair them. This can mask whatever fat loss is happening in the background. The good news is that it's temporary and you should see the scale start to move in the right direction after a few weeks.

    Exactly this. Even after lifting for many weeks I find that if I have a really intense session I will be several pounds heavier for a day or so. It is all fluid though and will dissipate.
  • thatgirlkellib
    thatgirlkellib Posts: 150 Member
    I was at a 3 weeks stall in weight loss when I started lifting , and then woosh 7lbs dropped off, I couldnt believe my eyes...I had got so worried and now I look more defined and less weight..again it was a 3 week stall

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