How to Change Workout Routine to Avoid Plateau

Fitness young men do workout routine-2021-08-31-15-51-22-utc

Are you feeling stuck in your workout routine? Are you no longer seeing the progress you once made? It’s time to switch things up and avoid hitting that dreaded plateau.

Changing your workout routine can be intimidating, but keeping your body challenged and progressing is necessary.

The options are very much open when it comes to avoiding plateaus. But before choosing how to do it, you should understand the basics of the plateau, assess your current workout, and change if you see fit to change. You’ll figure it out by the time you finish the article.

Understanding Plateau

A plateau is a phase where your body becomes accustomed to your workout routine, and your progress slows down or stops altogether.

Plateau can happen to anyone, regardless of their fitness level or workout routine. It is a frustrating experience that can discourage you from continuing your fitness journey.

Why Does It Happen?

Plateau happens because your body adapts to your workout routine and becomes more efficient at performing the exercises. When your body becomes more efficient, it burns fewer calories, and you don’t see the same results.

Additionally, if you perform the same exercises repeatedly, your muscles may not get the necessary stimulation to grow stronger.

To avoid a plateau, you must challenge your body by regularly changing your workout routine. Incorporate new exercises, increase your weight, or change the number of repetitions and sets. If you do this, you force your body to adapt to new challenges, and you can continue to see progress.

Assessing Your Current Routine

Before figuring out if it is a plateau, you need to track your progress, identify the area where the plateau might linger, and consider the factors in play.

Tracking Your Progress

To assess your current workout routine, start by tracking your progress. Record the weight you lift, the number of reps you do, and the sets you complete. Write down the exercises you perform and the order in which you do them.

Use a fitness tracker or app to monitor your heart rate, calories burned, and other metrics. This will help you learn where you are making progress and where you may be plateauing.

Identifying Plateau

Once you have tracked your progress for a few weeks, look for signs of a plateau. A plateau occurs when you stop making progress despite your best efforts. You notice that you can no longer lift heavier weights or that your reps are decreasing.

You may also notice a lack of muscle growth or increased endurance. It may be time to reassess your workout routine if it is a plateau.

Factors Affecting Plateau

The factors in question include doing the same exercises repeatedly, not challenging yourself enough, not getting enough rest or recovery time, and poor nutrition.

By assessing your current workout routine and tracking your progress, you can identify areas where you may be plateauing and make changes to avoid it. Keep challenging yourself, mix up your exercises, and prioritize rest and recovery to continue progressing toward your fitness goals.

Full-relaxation-after-workout-full-length-of-a-yo-2021-12-09-19-32-47-utc

Changing Your Workout Routine

boredom, and a lack of motivation. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, changing your workout routine can unlock new levels of progress and enjoyment.

It’s time to get rid of the existing plateau. Here are some options.

Gradual Progression

To avoid plateauing in your workouts, gradually increasing the difficulty of your exercises slowly is essential. You can increase the weight, reps, or sets over time. Doing so will constantly challenge your muscles, leading to continued progress.

Varying Your Workout

Switching up your exercises can also prevent a plateau. Incorporate different variations of the same exercise, such as changing the grip or stance. Additionally, try incorporating new exercises to challenge your muscles in new ways.

Increasing Intensity

Intensifying your workout can also help avoid a plateau. This can be done by shortening rest periods, increasing the weight, or incorporating supersets or drop sets. However, it’s essential to do so gradually to prevent injury.

Incorporating New Exercises

Incorporating new exercises into your routine can also prevent a plateau. This can be done by adding exercises targeting different muscle groups or trying new equipment, such as resistance bands or kettlebells.

Changing the Order of Exercises

Changing the order of your exercises can also prevent a plateau. Switching up the order can challenge your muscles differently and prevent them from adapting to the same routine.

Nutrition and Recovery

Pay attention to your nutrition to avoid a plateau in your workout routine. You need enough calories to fuel your workouts and build muscle. Consuming a balanced diet with various nutrients is vital for your body to function optimally.

Protein is vital for muscle growth and repair, while carbohydrates provide energy for your workouts. Don’t forget to include healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in your diet.

Recovery and Rest

Rest and recovery are also just as important as your workout routine. Your physique needs time to recover after intense exercise. Getting enough sleep is crucial, as this is when your body does most of its repairing.

Take rest days. This will allow your muscles to heal fully. Active recovery, such as stretching or light yoga, can also help with muscle soreness and stiffness.

Supplementation

Supplements can be beneficial, but they should never replace a healthy diet. Whey protein is a popular supplement that can help increase protein intake and aid muscle recovery. Creatine is another supplement that can improve strength and performance.

Always consult a professional before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe and effective for you.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating variety into your workout routine is vital to avoiding a plateau. By changing up your exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods, you can keep your body guessing and continue to make progress. Remember to know your limits and adjust your routine as needed.

In addition to changing your routine, focusing on proper nutrition and recovery is essential. Take proper nutrients and get enough rest for muscle repair and growth.

Seek guidance from a trainer to help you create a personalized workout plan that meets your specific goals and needs. And most importantly, stay consistent and dedicated to your fitness journey. You can break through any plateau and achieve your desired results with hard work and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a plateau?

If you have been following the same workout routine for several weeks or months and have not seen any improvements in strength or muscle growth, you may have hit a plateau.

Other signs include feeling unmotivated or bored with your workouts, experiencing a lack of energy during workouts, and not feeling challenged by your routine.

Can I still do my favorite exercises?

Yes, you can still include your favorite exercises in your new routine. However, it is essential also to incorporate new practices and variations to challenge your body and avoid a plateau.

How long should I stick to my new routine before changing it again?

Sticking to your new routine for at least four to six weeks before making any changes is recommended. Your body will adapt to the new activities and stimulate muscle growth. However, if you see no progress or are bored with your routine, switch things up again.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *