We all have a limit when it comes to achieving our health and fitness goals. We all have a weakness. We all have something holding us back. We all have something that is keeping us from succeeding. The easiest way to get over a fitness plateau or hurdle is to find this weakness and work on it.
When we look at people's limits as they are related to their ability to be healthy, to lose fat, or to gain muscle we can usually focus on three key areas: 1) genetics, 2) physical activity, and 3) nutritional habits.
When you have reached a plateau in your health and wellness routine it will be very helpful to review these three areas to see exactly where you can make some changes. There are many other areas that can affect your results but most often they relate back to these key areas.
Let us begin with genetics. Do you believe your genetic makeup is holding you back from reaching your goals? I don't mean to be rude, but I highly doubt it. It is very unlikely that you have reached your maximum fitness potential based on your genetic makeup. I have yet to meet someone who was unable to make significant improvements to their health despite their genetics.
How about physical activity? Many people could stand to improve their activity level substantially. Whether this means doing more than moving only from the couch to the refrigerator for a snack and back or if it means taking your workout down a bit because you are over training and your muscles need a break. Almost everyone's workout regime could use some fine tuning.
However, exercise usually isn't enough. Specifically for those who want to see fast results, and really, who doesn't? This is where nutrition comes in. Almost every one of my clients says that they "eat healthy". What does that mean? Healthy by whose standards? Healthy compared to the way they used to eat? I would highly advise having a dietary analysis done to determine exactly what nutrients you are lacking, getting too much of or not getting at all. Also, many people think that less is more which is not always right. Often, people are eating much less than they should be for optimal health, fat loss and muscle gains.
Looking at all these areas of health will help you realize where changes can and should be made. Overlooking one area can have negative effects on your ultimate outcome.
Have a detailed look at your overall fitness picture or see a trainer at Northern Athletic Club and have them help you determine what changes can be made to help you reach your goals. Remember, changes don't have to be dramatic. Small changes can make a big difference!
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
