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So you put together a workout plan and have been dutifully carrying it out. You’ve had some success with it, but now the shimmer has faded. If you’re struggling to get into your workouts, it might be time for a change. Look for these signs of stagnation:

You’re Bored– If you have to convince yourself to get to the gym, you’re probably in a rut. Find a new class, a new exercise, or a new workout buddy to change it up.

You’ve Plateaued– If you’ve been at the same weight, the same strength level for more than a couple of months, you’ve reached a plateau. You body has gotten used to what you are feeding it and asking it to do and can anticipate your moves. If you’re stuck and don’t know what to do, hire a coach. Someone who works with athletes a level or two above you. That coach will teach you how to improve and has clear evidence to show his competence. You can also partner up with someone who is more advanced than you in one area. If you want to increase your bench press, you train with guys who are benching more than you (granted they’re doing it correctly). If you want to run a faster pace, you join up with a running group that has a quicker pace. Surrounding yourself with athletes that are a little better than you will naturally help you rise to the next level.

You’ve Learned Nothing New This Month– Variety is the spice of life, right? The same is true for exercise. If you are aiming for a lifestyle of exercise, it means you’re going to be exercising for a long time. Decades. So of course you’re going to need to change it up. Check out different websites for ideas, and if you’re a CrossFitter, look at other boxes’ websites. Many of them will post their daily programming. Try it for a month and re-evaluate. YouTube has a plethora of demo videos and ideas for changing up your workout. Sometimes just a change of scenery is what you need. Find a park, a new route, or a change in venue.

You’re Hurting If what you are doing is hurting you,like an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis or shoulder bursitis, you need to change. Or you at least need to stop and figure out how to move differently so you aren’t hurting that area. Body mechanics can be the problem. Going too hard too fast can also cause injury. Be aware of how your body is responding to your exercise and eliminate or change activities that are aggravating your condition until you have it resolved.

 

Want to learn more? Check out our How To Squat article.

 

Priscilla Jones is a mother of four and co-owner with her husband of Blue Wave Fit: Home toCrossFit 1088, a family-friendly CrossFit and concierge personal training facility in Ocala, FL. You can reach her at priscilla@bluewavefitocala.com.

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