Graduating and Beating the Plateau

We've done it!  We've graduated, in a sense, by achieving our fitness goal! It’s time to move on to bigger and better things, right? Wait, why can’t we drop any more weight? Why can’t we shave any more time off of our 5k? Why is it so hard to dead-lift that extra 5 lbs?!  The feared plateau…often times we hit a point that we just can’t seem to break through. So, how do we do it? How do we push past those seemingly unbreakable points? The answer may be in looking at how we work out.

Insanity (defined by Einstein, not the fitness program): “doing the same thing and expecting different results”

   

           If we keep using the exact same routine that we used to reach that plateau point and expect it to push us through it, then we’re probably leaning toward the definition above. Thoughtful change may be the key in maintaining consistent success in our workout routine. Several mainstream fitness programs emphasize changing our routines every 4 to 6 weeks. This can be anything from increased intensity, to adding some light cardio on days we’re not lifting, or maybe adding strength training to our cardio routine. We can only maintain change through change. Keep in mind that we have to be mindful of our overall goals. If we’re running cross country, adding in power-lifting or vice versa may not be the best idea. We have to look at what we want to accomplish and what related exercises can aid us in reaching our new goals. It’s why we see golfers like Rickie Fowler doing strength training. Using a combination of weight training and cardio he’s improved his strength, flexibility, and overall control over his golf swing. It’s hard to argue with success.

As always, be sure to ask a health professional and talk to one of the licensed personal trainers at the Rec Center to help find a fitness routine that works for you.

Let’s do this!