In any significant fitness journey, (losing weight, gaining muscle, changing your body composition) there is one certainty: the plateau.
It’s not a matter of IF you’ll encounter this standstill, but WHEN. As a coach, I make it a point to prepare my clients for this stage in their fitness journey.
Understanding the Plateau
A plateau is a period where progress or weight loss seems to stall despite your best efforts. Health journey’s aren’t always a linear process; as you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to function than it did at a heavier weight. This means the dietary and exercise routine that started your weight loss won’t be as effective as you lighten. Metabolic adaptations, changes in lean muscle mass, and even psychological factors can add to this plateau.
The length and challenge of a plateau can vary greatly, and yes, it can be demotivating. However, you can make it through by staying consistent and continuing forward.
The Plateau Is Not a Sign to Stop
When your weight loss slows down, it’s easy to think something is wrong, to feel discouraged, or even to consider giving up.
Know that hitting a plateau is not a signal to retreat; it’s actually a cue to reassess and push forward. It’s the universe’s way of asking, “How badly do you want it?”
It’s the time to harness growth and learn about your body. By using the slow down of your progress as a tool, you can find better, more lasting results than would have been possible before.
Doubling Down When Weight Loss Slows
Plateaus demand resilience and innovation in your fitness routine. This is the time to look closer at your workout intensity, nutritional habits, and recovery periods. This might be the moment to try new exercises, tweak your macros, or introduce more rest into your routine.
Focus on Non-Scale Victories
Sometimes the numbers on the scale aren’t the best indicators of progress. Pay attention to how your clothes fit, improvements in your physical stamina, or reductions in health markers like blood pressure and blood glucose.
Seek Support
A weight loss journey can be challenging and sometimes isolating. Consider joining a support group or working with a dietitian or fitness coach (We can help you there!) to stay motivated and accountable.
Moving Past the Plateau
Your halt in progress does not define your journey. When you hit that plateau—and you will—see it as a milestone. It means you’ve been pushing your limits and now it’s time to evolve. With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome this hurdle and come out stronger on the other side.
Remember, the plateau is not the end of your journey; it’s just a twist in the plot, making your ultimate success story all the more exciting. Keep pushing, stay patient, and remain persistent. Your breakthrough is on the horizon.
Comment a time you’ve found yourself in a fitness plateau and try a free consultation with us to get out of yours today!
