SPECIAL ADVERTISING PAGE
How to overcome a fitness plateau
Each individual has his or her own fitness goals when beginning an exercise regimen . Perhaps the plan is to lose a set amount of weight or lift a certain amount of weight ? Goals help people assess their workouts whether or not they are achieving the desired results .
At some point in just about everyone ’ s fitness routine , it may seem like progress has stalled . Changes in the body may no longer be noticeable or the scale says the same weight each week . It ’ s easy to grow discouraged when exercise gains plateau . But recognizing this phenomenon can help people get their workouts back on track .
What is a fitness plateau ? The exercise resource GymBet says a fitness plateau is a phase when the body adjusts to a workout routine and stops progressing further . The body has become accustomed to the stress and changes an exercise routine has put on it in order to grow muscles , reduce fat or improve in training .
What causes a plateau ? The human body is incredibly resilient and can adapt to the physical demands of a workout . That means a workout initially can produce noticeable results . But over time ,
the body will adapt and something that was challenging will become easier . As a result , a familiar and once effective workout will no longer produce the desired results . Some call this General Adaption Syndrome . Even though hitting a plateau may seem frustrating , it is a good sign that an individual is making progress in a fitness program .
How to overcome a plateau ? The American Heart Association says one way to overcome a plateau is to follow the F . I . T . T principle of exercise . This stands for Frequency , Intensity , Time , and Type . Once a plateau has been reached , a person will have to change one or more components of F . I . T . T . to once again get desired results . That may mean increasing frequency and / or intensity , spending more time in an exercise session , or changing the type of workout . If the plateau involves a lack of weight loss , then tracking food for a week or two can show just how many calories are going in versus how many are expended . Often , hitting a plateau can be traced to dietary changes .
Banish boredom Another factor in hitting fitness plateaus that people may not realize is mental motivation . An individual who is becoming bored in a workout may not put forth the same level of effort , and that can manifest itself in a lack of results . Modifying the workout or attending a new program can be a small trigger to reach a new fitness level . A fitness plateau is something active people need to consider . Modifications can be made to get progress back on track . n
IS A PROMISE
Every day , the Y strengthens communities for kids , adults , seniors and families with programs that protect , teach , connect , heal , nourish and encourage . It ’ s how we help communities and the “ us ” who live in them achieve our individual and collective promise .
Valdosta-Lowndes County Family YMCA 2424 Gornto Rd . Valdosta , GA 229.244.4646 • valdostaymca . org
656810-1
February 2023 | Valdosta Scene 49