Breaking Through Plateaus: Tips to Overcome Workout Routine Stagnation

Plateaus are common when you are working on the same routine for too long. It is indeed a challenge in every workout routine, especially if you have been caring for your fitness for quite some time now. However, you shouldn’t be scared when you start mentally checking out from your workout routine and stop enjoying it. Afterall, it is easier to overcome. You just need to be strategic with your plans, make some changes here and there, and your dopamine release post-workout will be back on track.

If you are not feeling content and at peace after a long shower post-workout, you are not getting the same endorphin release from the workout. This is when you know that you are suffering from plateaus and a change is close. Here are some tips to break through workout routine stagnation and continue making progress:

Change your workout routine

If you are feeling too mentally drained right after your workout, maybe it is time to introduce new exercises. If you are invested in building core strength and getting into muscle-building exercises, maybe for a few days, try cardio. Vary the order of workouts daily, or maybe try a different workout style altogether. Changing things up can stop that regular reflexive muscular action and shock your muscle a bit.

INCREASE THE INTENSITY

Maybe your body needs to sweat it out a little. If you have been doing meager exercise just to get your body moving, you need to invest in intense exercises. Some of the common examples would be to start jogging if you only walked. Or indulge in better cardio like swimming or cycling. Maybe you are not getting the endorphin release or the boost of energy because of the lack of blood pump. If you want to break the routine of plateaus, you need to try lifting heavier or increasing the time of your workout routine.

Set New Goals

Maybe you started with a certain goal (for example, you want to build a better aesthetic for your body or have more core strength to lift yourself up). However, if the routine is getting too monotonous, maybe it is time to change your goal. Your new “new year resolution” could be doing more mindful exercises, for example, yoga or hiking. Rather than getting your daily physical exercise in the gym, you can start being more attuned to nature. Getting back to your roots can inject you with a new boost of energy to start your day.

Change The Time Of Your Workout

Working out plateaus generally happens when you are bored with your workout. The fitness regime becomes monotonous. You have no idea how much wonder a change in time can do. So, if your general workout routine starts in the evening, why not start your day moving your body? You can either continue working out in the mornings or alternate it depending on your mood. Try out the new exercise which you are enjoying, and not just the kind which promises to bring results.

Prioritize Rest & Recovery

It is not just about your workout because sometimes the plateaus come from the lack of rest in your routine. If you want your workout regime to be enjoyable, you have to listen to your body. This means giving it a rest whenever you are too tired and cannot carry on with the routine; give your body a rest. Overtraining can lead to plateaus and even injury. Make sure you are giving your body enough time to recover. Incorporate rest days into your weekly schedule and get enough sleep each night.

Why Is It Necessary To Overcome Workout Routine Stagnation

Overcoming workout routine stagnation is necessary to avoid reaching a plateau in your fitness progress. 

When your body adapts to a static exercise routine, it becomes more efficient at performing those specific movements, leading to diminished gains and reduced results. By breaking through stagnation, you can continue challenging your muscles and cardiovascular system, promoting further strength, endurance, and overall fitness improvements. 

Introducing variety and increased intensity in your workouts helps prevent monotony, maintains motivation, and fosters continuous progress toward your fitness goals. Overcoming stagnation ensures that your workouts remain effective and rewarding, optimizing your fitness journey in the long run.