In any significant fitness journey, (losing weight, gaining muscle, changing your body composition) there is one certainty: the plateau.

It’s not a matter of IF you’ll encounter this standstill, but WHEN. As a coach, I make it a point to prepare my clients for this stage in their fitness journey.

Understanding the Plateau

A plateau can be daunting—it’s a period where progress seems to stall despite your best efforts. The length and challenge of a plateau can vary greatly, and yes, it can be demotivating. However, it’s also a natural part of the process of change. When you’re trying to change a significant amount of your body composition, lose weight or gain muscle, plateau’s will be inevitable.

The Plateau Is Not a Stop Sign

When progress halts, it’s easy to think something is wrong, to feel discouraged, or even to consider giving up.

Know that hitting a plateau is not a signal to retreat; it’s actually a cue to reassess and push forward. It’s the universe’s way of asking, “How badly do you want it?”

Doubling Down When Progress Slows

Plateaus demand resilience and innovation in your fitness routine. They are the times to look closer at your workout intensity, nutritional habits, and recovery periods. This might be the moment to try new exercises, tweak your macros, or introduce more rest into your routine.

The Opportunity Within

Every plateau hides an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to learn more about your body and how it adapts to stress and change. It tests not just your physical strength, but your mental toughness and your commitment to your goals.

Moving Past the Plateau

So, when you hit that plateau—and you will—see it as a milestone. It means you’ve been pushing your limits and now it’s time to evolve. With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome this hurdle and come out stronger on the other side.

Remember, the plateau is not the end of your journey; it’s just a twist in the plot, making your ultimate success story all the more compelling. Keep pushing, stay patient, and remain persistent. Your breakthrough is on the horizon.