At some point in almost every fitness or weight loss journey, something that was working really well just doesn’t seem to be working the same anymore. It could be your weight loss slowing down, your workouts not feeling the same, your energy changes. Something that fit perfectly into your schedule suddenly doesn’t anymore and now you’re not sure what to do. When that happens, it’s easy to assume you’ve done something wrong or that the whole plan needs to be replaced.
Not necessarily. Your body adapts, your life changes, and your needs can change along with them. Sometimes the answer isn’t starting over. It’s making an adjustment. The best way to get the progress you want is to embrace these dips and changes so you can adapt nd find better ways to keep going. The same you that started this journey is no longer here and you should be proud of the steps it took to get you to that point.
Pay Attention Before You Change Everything
Before changing your nutrition, adding more workouts, or completely rebuilding your routine, take a look at what’s actually happening.
- How has your sleep been?
- Are you recovering from your workouts?
- Has your activity changed?
- Are you still eating in a way that supports your goals?
- Have you been consistent enough with the plan to really know whether it’s working?
Sometimes you’ll find something obvious. Other times, you may realize several small things have changed without you even noticing. That’s why I like making adjustments with intention instead of changing things just because progress feels slower. Some things take a little more time testing out but the wheel is still in your hands.
Change What Needs Changing
I’ve talked before about changing one variable at a time in resistance training and other avenues, and I think the same principle works really well here. You don’t have to completely overhaul something that’s mostly working. Maybe your training needs a small adjustment. Maybe your nutrition needs some attention. Maybe your schedule has changed and the routine you’re trying to follow simply doesn’t fit your life anymore. Make the adjustment you need, give yourself enough time to see how you respond, and go from there.
Guidance Means Adjusting Along the Way
Having a plan is important, but I don’t think a good plan should be so rigid that there’s no room for your life or your body to change. The best planners are also some of the best adapters to change. This is also where having guidance can become valuable. Sometimes it’s difficult to look at your own progress objectively and figure out what actually needs to change versus what simply needs more time.
Your first plan doesn’t need to be your forever plan. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, understand what’s within your control, and make changes with a reason behind them. Progress doesn’t always require a new direction. Sometimes you just need to adjust the path you’re already on.
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Dan Aquino
BS, ASFA-CPT
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
