Get over your weight loss plateau by evaluating your habits and exercise regimen
Nutrition.
We all know (or you should know by now) that nutrition is key. Abs are made in the kitchen, and weight loss is immensely influenced by what you put in your body. If you haven’t been watching your nutrition, then right now is the perfect time to start.
Stress.
Stress is every weight loss client’s worst nightmare. Not only because you’re stressed, but your body tends to make more excuses to break all the rules. You hold on to more weight, and you produce more of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol inhibits weight loss and weakens the immune system.
Hormones.
Just as the hormone cortisol can affect weight loss, so can many other hormones in your body. If you’ve tried everything, and feel like you should be losing weight, but aren’t, it might be time to get your hormone levels checked.
Just Cardio.
Cardio is a calorie killer, but if you’re always doing cardio and no strength training, then that could be reason for weight loss plateau. Muscle requires more calories to maintain, so the more muscle mass you have the more calories you’ll burn, even just sitting and breathing. So, mix it up with weights every once in awhile.
Too Consistent.
Our bodies were made to adapt, and they’re good at it. Perhaps even too good at times. This means variety is key. Mix hard with recovery, strength with cardio, and upper with lower body. You should push yourself to the point of discomfort every workout.
Sleep.
Get enough of it. Your body needs time to rest and recuperate, and sleep affects so much more than just feeling tired. Sleep debt can mess with hormone levels, motivation, and decrease your immune system. So be sure to get some shut eye!
Too Many Calories.
This seems obvious, but many people don’t have any idea how many calories they consume or burn each day. If you aren’t burning more calories than you’re consuming, you will gain weight. So be sure to carefully track those calories!
Too Few Calories.
While you don’t want to consume too many calories, the same is true for the other side of the coin. Consuming too few calories puts your body into starvation mode. Even increasing your calorie intake 100-250 calories each day can be exactly what you need to break through a plateau.
Not Tracking.
Tracking is essential to gauge success and improvement, whether it be tracking caloric intake, caloric expenditure, steps, weight, inches, or sleep. The iFit Active can help you track just about every element of your health and fitness.
You Just Aren’t Seeing It.
Perhaps your body is actually changing and you just aren’t noticing it. Sometimes the scale is not the best reflection of changes in your body. Take anthropometric measurements to track inches lost, and take photos of yourself. When you see yourself every day it’s sometimes hard to see changes happening.
Becca Capell
iFit Head Trainer
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
