3 Ways to Break Through a Plateau and Speed Up Results
Challenge: How do I break through a plateau and speed up results?
Solution: Treat rest just like a workout session!
Haber Photography
Whether you have been working out for a long time or just started a new wellness program, you might reach a point where you stop seeing positive results and hit a plateau. You are no longer seeing major definition, experiencing high energy levels or feeling like a bombshell.
I have been in this situation before and it’s very frustrating. I try not to look at the scale but I am definitely guilty of checking myself out in the mirror. I got to the point where I was no longer seeing noticeable changes in my body and my energy levels were pretty low. I could not understand what was going on. I was working out twice a day and eating healthy. How on earth could this effort not have a direct (amazing) impact on my body?
Little did I know, my two workouts a day were actually slowing my progress way down. I went to see a doctor as well as a nutritionist and found out my cortisol levels were through the roof. Cortisol is the stress hormone and too much of it causes the body to hold onto fat- specifically in the abdominal region. High cortisol levels can result from mental or physical stress. In my case, the two workouts a day was putting my body in an overstressed state. I was holding onto fat instead of burning fat. Bummer!!
In order to solve this problem, I had to slow down and do less. This seems counterproductive but it was the best thing for my body. I ended up getting leaner because of this change.
We forget the importance of rest when seeking results. It’s crucial! If we want to see major changes in our body it is so important to schedule rest days. This is the time when your body repairs the muscles that have been broken down and reveals the sleek physique you are looking for.
Three Things to Remember:
1. Take one day a week to completely rest. This can be an active recovery like a slow walk or restorative yoga. Make sure you are not exerting yourself during this rest day.
2. Stick to one hard workout the other 6 days of the week. Make sure you are not going for two hard workouts in a day since it will raise your cortisol levels and make you hold onto fat.
3. Be patient. Nothing happens over night. Give yourself time and compassion. You will get there. Just give yourself the time you deserve.
Try this 20-minute high intensity workout to break through your plateau and recover quickly:
http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/no-running-cardio-workout-you-can-do-home
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