How to Avoid Fitness Plateaus

A fitness plateau occurs when you no longer are achieving your fitness goals, such as losing weight or running a certain time for a road race, despite working out on a regular basis. As you work out, your body becomes accustomed to your routines, making it difficult to continue progressing doing the same routine repeatedly. However, hitting a plateau doesn't mean you need to spend more time working out. Instead, learn about ways to prevent your body from hitting a plateau.

Instructions

    • 1

      Eat more if you hit a plateau. If you notice you are hungrier than normal as your exercise program progresses, you are likely not getting enough calories each day. Your metabolism may require that you take in more calories if you increase the length and intensity of your exercise routine. Eat healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and vegetables.

    • 2

      Take a week off from your routine if you hit a plateau. Taking a week off will allow your stressed muscles time to recover. Do more leisurely exercise, such as taking walks or yoga.

    • 3

      Sleep and rest more. Without the proper amount of sleep your body doesn't have time to recover. Take off at least two days per week to allow your body time to recover from your workout regime.

    • 4

      Switch up your routines. When your body adapts to doing the same routine over and over, it does not exert as much energy. Changing up your routine will make the body work harder since since you'll be using different muscles each workout or use the same muscles a different way.

    • 5

      Change up the intensity of your routine each day. Do cardiovascular exercise one day and weights the next. Do not repeat the same routine each day.