Whenever we commit to starting something new we get FIRED UP and it’s all we can think about!
When it comes to our health & fitness, this is something that should last us our entire lives.
The society we live in thinks completely backwards about health & fitness.
We have a “diet” and a “quick fix” mindset.
The problem with that is, yes it works at first, but once you stop, you’re right back to where you started.
Have you ever started a workout program, nutrition plan, or something similar, and gotten great results, only to go backwards or hit a plateau?
Here are 5 Tips for Pushing Through A Plateau:
1) Remember WHY you started
When you started your journey, you had a reason, right? Or maybe even a list of reasons.
If you hit a plateau along the way, it’s super important to go back to the drawing board and remember WHY you started in the first place.
Then, write down some more reasons why it’s important for you to continue!
Maybe it was to keep up with your kids or grandkids?
Or so you can look and feel great at your high school reunion?
Or so you don’t end up like a loved one who didn’t take care of themselves?
Whatever your reasons are, make them GOOD.
Don’t make excuses for why you hit your plateau and don’t give up; you deserve to feel amazing!
2) Remember that being healthy is a journey, it’s not a destination
The comedian Jim Gaffigan has a hilarious skit about going to the gym and how it’s annoying when people who are in shape are there. He says “Why are you even here?! You’re done!!”
Although comical, it’s obviously not that easy.
Being healthy is a continuous journey and, once you get into a solid routine, it’s really hard to stop!
What’s nice about that too is you CAN splurge and indulge a little once you know your habits are solid!
Life is meant to be enjoyed and the healthier you are, the more amazing it can be!
3) Don’t let 1 bad day/week/vacation/month/
I’ve seen this before with friends and family, where someone is in a great rhythm, but they go away for a vacation or they have a weekend where they over-do it when it comes to eating, or they take their foot off the gas with exercising, so they just give up and end up going back to where they started.
They assume “well, I’ll never get back on track, so I might as well go back to where I was”.
They don’t outwardly say that, but they let their mind go there.
NO! You can easily turn things around by mustering up the strength to get back on track.
Our minds are powerful things and we become really great at convincing ourselves of false ideas.
Have you ever heard the acronym for the word “FEAR”?!:
False
Expectations (or “Evidence”)
Appearing
Real
Don’t be afraid of jumping back on track.
Get rid of the head trash! The first day or 2 may be tough, but then it’s smooth sailing after that.
Most people don’t realize how close they are to being successful before they give up on themselves!
4) Have solid accountability
This is why we do what we do.
Hiring a Personal Trainer that knows what they’re doing is the best way (in our obviously biased opinion!) to help you get on track and push through a plateau.
If you don’t have a trainer, find a friend or a group of people that you can lean on and that will support you through the tough times.
It’s SO challenging to do it alone! Even the most self-disciplined don’t go at it alone.
5) Recognize the WINS, big and small
If you’re not where you want to be, what can you appreciate yourself for?
What are some small wins that you have noticed along the way?
- Maybe your weight isn’t where you want it to be, but did you lose some inches?
- Are your clothes fitting differently?
- Are you feeling less pain in your back or your knees?
If you recognize the small wins along the way, instead of focusing on what hasn’t happened yet, you’ll stay on track and keep going!
Plateaus happen to EVERYONE.
It’s not about what happens though, it’s about how you react to it.
You’ve heard me share the quote from Charles Swindoll: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”.
Be PROACTIVE, remember why you started in the first place, and keep pushing through!! You’ve got this!
Thank you for taking the time to read this!- Mandy Webb, Co-Owner of KW Fitness