Whether your goal is to lose weight or just simply to get in shape, you’re likely to hit a plateau at some point during your fitness program. Although discouraging, fitness plateaus can be overcome if you know what causes them. With a little bit of knowledge, some adjustments as needed, and a lot of perseverance, you’ll be able to reach your fitness goals and live a healthy, active life. Keep reading to learn the causes of weight-loss plateaus and how you can combat this disheartening issue.
Return Of Water Weight
In general, people see a rapid loss of weight during the first few weeks of a new exercise and diet program. Unfortunately, what you may not realize is that much of that weight loss is a result of a drop in water weight. This is why fad, get-skinny-fast diets don’t work; you mostly lose water weight while on them, and then once you resume your normal routine, the water weight returns. To reach your goals, it’s crucial to make a lifestyle change, rather than trying one diet after another. Incorporate healthy eating and regular exercise into your daily life.
Breakdown Of Muscle
When you see a drop in the number on the scale, it’s important to remember that the drop reflects not only fat loss, but also muscle loss. Losing weight can cause your body to burn muscle, in addition to fat, for energy. Because muscle burns calories, this can slow down your actual fat loss. To help prevent this problem, include plenty of protein in your diet, avoid cutting a drastic amount of calories from your diet and strength train in addition to performing cardio.
The Amount Burned
It’s simple science – when you weigh less, you burn fewer calories with the same movements you were doing before. This means that after a few weeks, the same amount of exercise won’t burn more calories and result in additional weight loss. Instead, it will cause you to maintain the same weight. But don’t let that discourage you; it’s actually a good sign. It means that you’re progressing. To keep the momentum going, increase your activity level and/or decrease your calorie intake.
When you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, keep in mind that you will occasionally hit plateaus. Take into consideration the tips mentioned here, and you’ll be able to more easily combat those frustrating plateaus. If you need help overcoming a plateau, consider personal training from the Downtown Athletic Club.
Return Of Water Weight
In general, people see a rapid loss of weight during the first few weeks of a new exercise and diet program. Unfortunately, what you may not realize is that much of that weight loss is a result of a drop in water weight. This is why fad, get-skinny-fast diets don’t work; you mostly lose water weight while on them, and then once you resume your normal routine, the water weight returns. To reach your goals, it’s crucial to make a lifestyle change, rather than trying one diet after another. Incorporate healthy eating and regular exercise into your daily life.
Breakdown Of Muscle
When you see a drop in the number on the scale, it’s important to remember that the drop reflects not only fat loss, but also muscle loss. Losing weight can cause your body to burn muscle, in addition to fat, for energy. Because muscle burns calories, this can slow down your actual fat loss. To help prevent this problem, include plenty of protein in your diet, avoid cutting a drastic amount of calories from your diet and strength train in addition to performing cardio.
The Amount Burned
It’s simple science – when you weigh less, you burn fewer calories with the same movements you were doing before. This means that after a few weeks, the same amount of exercise won’t burn more calories and result in additional weight loss. Instead, it will cause you to maintain the same weight. But don’t let that discourage you; it’s actually a good sign. It means that you’re progressing. To keep the momentum going, increase your activity level and/or decrease your calorie intake.
When you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, keep in mind that you will occasionally hit plateaus. Take into consideration the tips mentioned here, and you’ll be able to more easily combat those frustrating plateaus. If you need help overcoming a plateau, consider personal training from the Downtown Athletic Club.
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