By: Lori Copes

You’ve heard that pesky little term “Exercise Plateau”. You are religiously performing your exercise program and suddenly you feel as if you are at a stand still.

Whether it be you are not shedding the pounds you once were or toning the muscles as easily as you had, you feel your exercise program just is not working anymore. The most common response is “I am not exercising hard enough/long enough.” As a result, you try to increase your training which can prove to be more detrimental than good. Exercising too intensely too often places an excessive strain on the muscles and joints leading to a greater risk of injury. Many times this can lead to a condition known as overtraining. Some symptoms/signs of overtraining are fatigue, lack of energy, loss of body mass, adverse changes in body composition, and decreased exercise/activity performance.

Exercise plateaus occur because the body gradually becomes used to the same exercises. Take the following example: An individual wishes to lose weight so he/she begins an exercise program. The exerciser notices changes and gains within the first several months. Six months or more later they are wondering why they are not making any more improvements. His/her body has adjusted itself to the stresses and stimulation produced from the initial training. Variation and change must be applied to your exercise program to constantly stimulate the body to produce continual gains.

Exercise plateau’s are easy to reach and difficult to overcome. The first step is realizing your goals and exercise priorities. Decide what area of your body needs the most attention (this may change as you progress through your exercise program). Also, determine whether you are training for weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, strength increases, a specific sport, etc. Once you have answered these questions, start designing your exercise program based on your answers! Remember – muscles like change, provide that change before the muscles adapt to any exercises.

James & Lori Copes, Founders Tone & Condition, Inc

Always consult with a physician before starting an exercise program.

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Lori Copes is the President & Co-Founder of Tone & Condition, Inc Personal Training Company established in 1997. For more information, contact Lori at 302-454-1813 or visit www.toneandcondition.com.