My last article addressed the progression involved in forming a
workout regime. Now let’s take that one step further.
My last article addressed the progression involved in forming a workout regime. Now let’s take that one step further.
Let’s say you are already in a routine, but feel that you are stuck in a rut. You have seen results thus far, but now you are bored or have hit a plateau. What can you do to shake it up?
First, looks at all aspects of your life. We know that sometimes life can get a bit overwhelming. Then you have to ask yourself the following question: “Am I putting my maximum effort into my fitness program?”
Chances are the answer to this question is no. If you are just going through the motions, and not putting your all into your program, then results will slow down. This may be mistaken as boredom.
Next, take a good look at your workout itself. Is it possible you are overtraining? Signs of overtraining include: unexplainable drop in performance levels that does not resolve itself with a couple of days rest. If you find yourself struggling with workouts that have been previously tolerable, then you may be in this situation.
There are other indications of overtraining as well. Among them are: restless sleep, losing interest in your workout, fatigue, prolonged muscle soreness, injuries that do not heal, unusually high resting heart rate, decreased appetite, weight loss, mood swings (irritability, depression), and loss of menstrual flow in women.
If overtraining is the culprit, perhaps seeking professional advice is in order. Find a qualified trainer to help you. A trainer will know how to balance a workout appropriately. Different trainers have different strengths. Look for someone who meets your needs, fits your personality and understands what goals you are trying to reach.
For example, if you are looking to lean out and shape your muscles, then you won’t want to work with a trainer who specializes in exercising for bulk. Also, look for a trainer who’s schedule works with yours.
Another benefit of working with a qualified trainer is that he or she will be able to evaluate your technique. If your form is off in one or more exercises, then your results will be compromised. Furthermore, with faulty methods, you will increase your probability of sustaining an injury.
Next, evaluate your training progression. Are you doing the exercises in such a way as to maximize results? Different types of programs require different progressions.
For example, if you are lifting weights, it is best to start with the larger muscles and work your way down to the smaller ones.
The reason is that when you use the bigger muscles, the smaller ones often act as stabilizers. Thus they begin to fatigue.
You then work the smaller ones to finish them off. If you did this the other way around, the smaller ones would be tired by the time you got to the larger ones. Therefore, they would not be as effective as assistors. This being the case, the bigger muscles would not get worked as effectively.
The same holds true for a program such as T-Tapp. The exercises are done in a specific sequence in order to maximize the benefits. Doing them out of order decreases the results.
Another factor that directly effects the benefits of your exercise program is your diet. Are you eating balanced meals? Is your body getting the necessary nutrition it needs to function properly and keep with the demands you are placing on it? Are you keeping your muscles and other organs hydrated?
This is another area where it is beneficial to seek the assistance of a professional; maybe a dietician or nutritionist.
Finally, be realistic about your goals. It is easy to get discouraged if you do not feel like you are getting to where you want to go in your workout.
This frustration might manifest itself as a rut. If you think this is the case, step back and take a good look at what you are doing and what you are trying to accomplish. If you saw results at the beginning, but are not seeing them now, re-evaluate and reset your goals. Then, do the same with your workout.
Stuck in a rut? Maybe it’s time for a change or a change-up of your current routine. The answer? Look at the big picture and re-assess what you are doing.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about T-Tapp or any other fitness matter, please contact me at (408) 981-1566 or e-mail me at home [email protected].
