We all know it: The Plateau. It's when no further changes occur in weight loss, strength and/or fitness despite all your efforts. Reason: Your body has ADAPTED to your new and healthier lifestyle. It now "knows" that it has to survive on a smaller diet and therefore uses all the fuel it gets more efficiently. It now "knows" that it has to expect additional work (exercise) and does it with less effort. So, to break through the plateau you have to INCREASE and/or CHANGE the challenge for your body
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Several years ago when I was in the best shape of my life, I was working with a professional trainer/nutritionist. I hit a plateau. The trainer recommended that not only I change my work out routine often, but to temporarily bump my calories up a little, by approximately 150-200 a day. This is because your metabolism goes into starvation mode and slows down. If you give it a few more calories, it kicks in gear again. It absolutely worked! I would really advise trying it in addition to changing your routine around.
PUFFPASTRY2/14/2011 6:29:00 PM
I've been on a plateau for a month, and it's driving me insane! And I'm exercising like a demon (90-110 minute workouts, 5-6 times a week)! Gah!
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I looked at the bright side of things and decided that I had broken through my plateau.198