plateau

Are you sabotaging yourself?

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Full disclosure: I am writing just as much for my benefit as for the readers. :)

Are you sabotaging yourself? I realize the term is relative and a matter of opinion, but here are some tell-tell signs you may be your own worst enemy:

Your self-talk is more negative than positive. I don’t think I need to elaborate here.

You don’t have a plan. You can’t show up at the gym and just expect to get results (or as quickly) without a roadmap to get there. That’s why working with a certified personal trainer is so helpful.

Your goals are unrealistic. One of the reasons people abandon a fitness regime is that they set the bar too high. While it’s possible to see results in a month, it’s going to take several to transform your body and create lasting change. Trust me, I know this firsthand.

You don’t have anyone holding you accountable. Whether a friend, family member or partner, it’s helpful to have someone keeping you in check. You may have the best intentions but life can get in the way. It’s good to introduce a healthy amount of pressure.

You compare yourself to others. As they say, “comparison is the thief of joy.” If you spend considerable time and energy on others’ progress you’re only taking away from your own pursuits. Remember this the next time you see a social media post that makes you a bit envious.

You fixate on setbacks. There will always be highs and lows in your fitness journey. When you do experience a plateau or you fall back into old ways, remind yourself how far you’ve come.

You’ve fallen into the “all-or-nothing” trap. If you miss a workout, don’t linger too long. You have so many other chances during the week to show up for yourself.

Can you relate to any of these?

5 ways to push through a plateau

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Plateaus are a normal part of one’s fitness journey. We may lose fat and/gain muscle one month only to lose momentum the next. While frustrating, they are minor setbacks in the big picture. And as one personal trainer argues in this blog, they can be a good thing! They just call for some creative thinking to overcome. Following are a few practical tips to push past a period of stagnation:

  1. Reassess: First, know that the scale is just one way to measure progress. Your weight can fluctuate for a whole host of reasons, and women are especially affected by ups and downs. Measurements and body composition can provide a more accurate look at where you stand. Don’t let the scale ruin your life!

    However, I can tell you (only speaking from experience) that weight loss/management is 80 percent diet. You can’t eat like crap and expect exceptional results from the gym. I challenge you to keep a food diary for a week and maybe you’ll notice patterns and areas to improve on.

  2. Switch it up: Have you been focusing on cardio? Mainly strength training? Your body gets acclimated to a certain way of training over time, so it’s important to mix up your exercise program every 6-8 weeks. So don’t be afraid to try that yoga or water aerobics class. It just might be the nudge your body needs!

  3. Scale back: It is possible to workout too much. Your body can react adversely and hold on to fat. Sometimes taking an extra day off and devoting it to self-care can be good for you in the long run.

  4. Reflect: Attitude is powerful. You may feel discouraged, but don’t forget to relish in your accomplishments. Perspective is everything. You might not have lost fat, but at least you didn’t regress! That alone is something to celebrate.

  5. Let go: Obsessing over every indiscretion or missed workout will not serve you. In fact, stress can wreak havoc on your body and sabotage progress. So relax. You’re doing a great job!