a question about measurements...

I have never been one to take measurements, always just go by the scales. I joined the gym about 6 weeks ago and my measurements were taken. I was scheduled to have them taken again at week 8, but had them taken at week 4 as i was not losing weight on the scales despite an incredible effort with exercise and diet. It turns out my measurements must have been taken inaccurately the first time because by week 4, i'd had no loss and supposedly had put 2 inches on my hips. At this point, the instructor realised the tape was not level all the way around my body, so we re took measurements as a new starting point.

How long is a reasonable interval before I have measurements taken again? I know muscle weighs more than fat, and can affect numbers on the scale, so will converting fat to muscle also affect measurements if I am bulking up?

usually it's 8 weeks so that you see a difference.  I got curious and did mine after 4 weeks, I still noticed a difference, but obviously not as much as I will in 8.  I would wait AT LEAST 4 weeks.

The trainers I talk to recommend 2 weeks. After two weeks, you should start to see something, at the very least in the beginning. When you tweak your diet, you need to wait two weeks before changing a parameter (calories, protein etc....)

for muscle gain however, the body builds muscle at a MUCH slower pace... so yes, it could take 4-8 weeks before seeing something in the mirror... but in that same space of time you should see your strength go up noticeably

I hope this helps!