How to Break Your Weight Plateau!

[QueenieAbby]

How to Break Your Weight Plateau!

by Abby_Campbell, www.911BodyResQ.com

You've been training hard and eating clean, and you were doing great for a while.  Then all of a sudden, you hit that barrier that won't allow you to get past.  You haven't changed anything in your fitness regimen, and you just want to get those last 10 to 15 pounds off.  So, what's the deal?  Where do you go to break that plateau?

Before giving tips, I want you to be honest with yourself.  Do you really need to lose those last few pounds?  Are your goals realistic?  You must keep in mind that your fitness regimen that had been working for you naturally slows your progress when your body senses that it is losing too much weight.  If you are being realistic and still need to bust some fat, then you might want to modify your routine.  Try these tips:

STOP OVERTRAINING & REST!

You want to train smart!  Overtraining is for amateurs.  Muscle is built during rest periods.  And, interestingly enough, muscle burns fat during rest as well.  If you overtrain, you are placing your body in a dangerous situation.  Microscopic tears from working out will not be allowed to heal, and that places your body in a catabolic state where you actually burn muscle rather than fat.  So, ease up and give your body a rest! 

MEASURE BODY FAT RATHER THAN SCALE WEIGHT

Rather than measure your body with the weight scale, measure your body fat percentage instead.  Each woman's desired body fat is different depending on their goals.  The average healthy female usually hovers between 22 to 25 percent, while athletes and competitors are lower.  There is no "magic" number, but let a healthy range be your goal rather than the scale weight.  A great set of skinfold calipers will help you to determine your body fat percentage.

CHANGE IT UP!

Switch up your routine.  Our bodies adapt after a certain period of time.  Four to 8 weeks is a typical time frame for adaptation when it comes to your fitness routine.  Try a new workout with super-sets or circuits.  Trade up the cardio machine for some plyometrics, metabolic resistance training, or kickboxing.  Even the good ole fashioned jumping jacks or jump roping will get your heart pumping an extra beat and help you towards your goals.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!

Sometimes, you just need a professional to help.  The opinion of a personal trainer or a fitness/sports nutrition specialist can be very valuable.  They may see something that you are doing (or not doing) and give you advice on how to break your plateau.  If your budget doesn't allow you to hire a professional, you may opt for a one-time consultation.  Some gyms even have complimentary sessions with a wellness coach, so check into that as well.