Stuck on a plateau since vacation - suggestions?

[stephl]

Hi all,

I have been stuck on a plateau all of August, and it's getting so frustrating! I made some good progress towards my goal (losing bodyfat and inches) during July, then went on a 12 day vacation at the end of July and came back several pounds heavier. OK, so then I tried to jump right back into my previous level of working out, even taking it up to a higher level (more cardio, longer workouts, not as much weight training because I was concentrating on cardio.) That doesn't seem to be working, though, because I have been struggling with lack of movitation, feeling exhausted, and making no progress. My eating has been crappy (previous to this week.) This week I decided to get back into the routine I was doing in July (weights twice a week, cardio three times and not as long, circuit once a week,) and clean up my eating. I feel a bit better, but still very tired and my muscles feel heavy and 'dead'. And my knees hurt! I did the SJP Step & Weights premix today (no lunges) and it was a real struggle to get through it, and I didn't even feel like I was working that hard.

Am I overtraining? I think so, my 'professional' head is telling me that I am, but my compulsive head is telling me that I need to keep pushing to make progress. I know I should take tomorrow off, in addition to my usual Sunday rest day. I know I should ease off, but I can't seem to be able to feel relaxed about it.

Please reassure me that extra rest will actually help my body recover and make fitness gains and fat loss! I really want to lose this belly. It's making me nuts!

AUGH! Vent over, time to take a shower.

 

[Boybert]

Hi Stephanie,
I thought I'd chime in with a few thoughts since this seems to be getting buried with the rest of us crazies

My initial thoughts go first to diet. When you say you "cleaned it up" I have no idea what that means. Diet is seriously 80% of equation in making changes. People often underestimate what is going in there mouthes. Not saying you are at all, but it might be helpful to know what you have been eating. Remember to eat good ratios of lean protein/complex carbs/healthy fats, preferrably every 3 hours or so.

On to the workout part. I don't think, at least from what you are telling me, that 3 cardios and 2 weights days are too much. Best idea for a plateau buster is to really change things up and keep your body guessing. Try to heavy up on the weights, maybe w/ something like S&H or a GS split (you can certainly still throw endurance and circuits in there and I do just to keep it fresh). Also, do some HIIT if you haven't already. That is some serious fat burning heaven.

Okay, enough to start with. I'm done blabbing for now. HTH & let us know if you have more questions!




new “In the beginning there was nothing. God said, 'Let there be light!' And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better.” --Ellen Degeneres

 

[dogs2birds]

Stephanie,

I agree with Boybert about the diet part of it. And you said that you've only been eating better this week. I know that in your head you don't really expect that in less than a week you will fix everything, right? The crappy eating could be what has made you so sluggish. It's amazing what the wrong foods can do to our bodies. And if you were on vacation for 12 days and then eating poorly since you came home (haven't you been home at least a week???), it will probably take a little time to clear your system. Don't give up. You'll feel better soon.

I also agree with the HIIT cardio suggestion. That will kick your butt!

If you really feel like you need an additional day off, take it. It won't kill you. Maybe it will be just what you need to kick it back in gear.

Good luck!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds

 

[stephl]

Thanks for the suggestions ladies. I know that things won't change drastically in a week, or even in a few weeks. I'm more frustrated with my state of mind than anything else. Also frustrated w/ my 37 year old body, LOL!

I was talking w/ DH this evening about being constantly exhausted, and he made the comment that I am mentally exhausted, which is manifesting in physical exhaustion and lack of motivation. Why am I mentally exhausted? We are planning a move back to the US this autumn, but it is dependent on DH finding a new job. Not impossible, but not quick and easy, either, when you are at his level in his field. It WILL happen, and probably w/in our time frame of being back before Christmas, but not in a few weeks, like I'd like it to! We've made the decision to move, now I just want to get on with it and GO! Currently, there is nothing for me to do until DH gets a job offer, then we're off to the races. Until then, I am just sitting and waiting, and worrying. Which leads to the mental exhaustion.

A good friend who recently moved back to the States from London told me to enjoy every day I have here. She said that expat life is a lot more glamourous than everyday life in Jersey (her opinion) and while she is happy to be back in the US she really misses London. I know what she means - I take for granted being in the UK and so close to London, etc. I need to look at things with a fresh eye and enjoy my last days here, almost as if I were a visitor, and stop worrying about what is yet to happen.

I know stress makes your body resistant to change. Maybe what I need to change to get off this plateau is my attitude and stress level!

 

[Boybert]

Oh Steph, stress can most certainly account for that sluggish feeling! I do hope everything works out well with the job & move. Cut yourself some slack w/ that and things will level out for you. Good luck and keep us posted


“In the beginning there was nothing. God said, 'Let there be light!' And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better.” --Ellen Degeneres

 

[stephl]

Thanks Boybert! I'm taking a 'mental health day' today - just relaxing and doing whatever I feel like doing. I'm kind of looking forward to it!

 

[Sunshine 1528]

Sometimes taking it easy for a bit help alot.

And, please, don't feel bad about being 37 ! You would probably find many of us here that would trade or go back to that age for almost anything (at least physique wise ;-) )

Hope all begins moving quickly for you.

 

[seeking_guns]

Steph~
I know how hard it can be to get back into a routine, but exercise is *exactly* what you need to combat the low energy/high stress you've been feeling. Generally, I find that working out leaves me feeling much more energized and more inclined to eat healthy. So, to bust this plateau, I'd say you're just gonna to have push yourself and not give in to the sluggishness. Think about how much you want to continue the progress you've made & how great you'll feel to have reached your goals by the time you return to the States.
Good luck! You can shake off this slump!

-cathy