Muscle vs fat...am I replacing fat with muscle?

[Greg777]

I've been more active over the last three months than I have been in years (10) years. I set a goal to get in shape and climb one of the Colorado tallest peaks. I worked out with a lot of cardiovascular stair climbing and long elevated hikes and climbing 800 ft in a mile. I did the climb�though slow�made it and back down�went to my doctor then next week and in two months since starting this hiking sport my blood pressure went from 148/88 and resting heart rate of 90bpmdown to 120/72 and resting heart rate of 76bpm. I've lost 9 lbs since 6/30/07 and continue to train for my next 14er but 30 days later (as of 07/29/07) I have not lost any additional pounds�why not?

[VannaB]

You may well be eating more than you burn off-you lose weight by creating a calorie defecit. Sometimes when people exercise it can increase the appetite so you may find that yes you are doing more yet you are also eating more? It may also be if your exercise programme has stayed the same you have reached a plateau. You need to mix things up every 4 weeks or the body adjusts and becomes more calorie efficient at what it does. IE you burn less.