The hard work has historically been paying off – you’re improving in your stamina, you’ve been lifting more weights than ever before, and your energy has been more consistent. Then, for no reason you can identify, you plateau.
Don't get discouraged! Plateaus are a normal part of the fitness journey. Check out the below tips to break that plateau and get back on a successful trajectory.
Change your diet. Increasing protein and reducing your carb intake can cause a shift and get your moving back in the right direction when you feel hopelessly stalled. Shockingly, consuming less carbs curbs hunger and provides feelings of fullness.
Manage stress. Stress can often pump the brakes on physical improvement. It may seem as though you have little control over the stress in your life but trying options like yoga or meditation can help you manage better.
Avoid or limit alcohol. While it might seem, alcohol is one way to bring down stress levels, it provides no nutritional value and empty calories. Aim to fuel your body with nutrient dense foods and if you must have an alcoholic beverage, only consume it occasionally in small amounts.
Get Plenty of Sleep. Sleep is extremely important for good mental, emotional and physical health. Not getting enough sleep may contribute to stalling progress. Aim for 7-8 hours a night.
Try something new – like one of our classes! UFC GYM offers MMA-inspired fitness classes like Boxing and Kickboxing Conditioning, as well as yoga, cycle, HIIT, and more! Changing up your usual routine can help your body get moving in new ways that might help make changes, inspire you to move, and shift that plateau.
Don’t Rely on the Scale. Is weight loss your top goal? It’s important to realize that the scale reading may not accurately reflect your progress, such as changes in your body composition. If you’re working out regularly, you may be building muscle, which is denser than fat. The best way to judge your improvement is to assess how you feel and how your clothing fits. You can also work with a professional, such as a UFC GYM coach, on a body composition analysis.
Plateaus are frustrating but do not get discouraged! Nearly everyone experiences a stall at some point on their fitness journey. Make changes, push through the plateau, and continue on your fitness journey.
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