When you start an exercise program, your weight is at what will hopefully be its highest point. Over time, you want that weight to go down, and at no point is that easier to achieve than at the start of your program. In the early days of your exercise program, you should be able to see results very quickly.
Choosing the Right Program
If you want to start exercising, the first thing you should do is figure out where you are and where you want to be. From there, you can select or build a program based on what you're capable of, and what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to tone up a bit, or lose weight, you don't want to go on a power-lifting routine. Try to find something that accomplishes your goals and will keep your interest, so that you don't get bored.
Initial Weight Loss
Once you start with your routine, you'll likely feel a little sore. But you should also feel very proud of yourself, and if you haven't yet gotten good vibes from your program, you soon will from the scale. You should lose a few pounds -- and you may lose as much as 5 lbs. -- in your first week on the program. This initial weight loss is considered to be water weight, meaning that you haven't burned an excessive amount of fat or built enough muscle to have really seen the benefits of the program yet.
Leveling Off
After your first weeks on the program, you should find that your weight loss has leveled off a bit. You can't lose 5 lbs. a week consistently; if you are, your overall health is at risk. That said, you can still lose up to 2 lbs. a week, but any loss at all is a good sign. As you gain experience with your workout plan, you may find that it has its own rewards, like feeling better about yourself and fitting into smaller sized clothes. These residual benefits can help you to stop obsessing over what the scale says, and start enjoying exercise for its own merits.
Keep it Simple
It may be difficult to stick to one workout routine for a very long time. If you find yourself getting burnt out, modify the routine to include the exercises you want to do. At the same time, don't get too carried away with exercise, as this can cause you to get frustrated and abandon the gym altogether. Lastly, remember that no exercise program can help you if you don't do your part when it comes to nutrition. A healthy diet is required for any sort of legitimate weight loss. If you didn't lose the weight you thought you were going to lose, particularly at the start of your program, your diet may be to blame.
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