Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back

Plateau. That's a kind way of saying your body has reached the point where you are no longer able to make any changes to it physically. You try in vain to lose that last five or ten pounds and you consider looking into that fad diet you keep hearing about because you're desperate to lose one last inch or two off your waistline.

It's a cruel joke, really. You push yourself and remain dedicated to the cause of being and living healthy and your body, inexplicably, decides that what you're doing is good, but not good enough. So, what can you do about it? How do you reach that next level of fit without driving yourself absolutely bonkers?

Well, one way is to change your regimen. This is something that I have suggested before and feel very confident is a great way to get over that proverbial hump. But, more than that, you have to get over the drama of the new attitude you've acquired from becoming so fit—your ego changed right along with your body. Trust me.

You have to reconfigure your goals once you hit that plateau (or wall as some say) and ask yourself what you want for yourself and your body now? Are you still simply trying to live a healthier life or are you looking for the physical manifestation of all your efforts—fitting into that size "whatever you want" pair of jeans or cocktail dress? It's an important question to ask because, quite honestly, the vast majority of us can always be fitter and eat healthier—these are things that are rarely overdone in today's fast food society.

So you have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask what's next? If you want to get over the plateau, that's easily done, change your workout and/or add something more to it that will challenge you and re-energize your bored body.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something deeper—perhaps an answer to why you are so obsessed with looking perfect or losing that last few pounds—then that journey will take a much more introspective approach and you will need to tap into the side of you that isn't satisfied with being what you are right now.

The only way to do that is to meditate, relax, journal, and seek out the memories that scare you to death. Find out where it was in your life that you first began to feel those inadequacies and make it your mission to correct the negative thoughts so that you can finally focus on the present.

In the meantime, expect setbacks as you tackle new obstacles and try not to get frustrated by the process of making adjustments to what was working so well before now—if you can. Being fit is only half the battle, the bigger challenge is in staying fit and being aware enough of your inner self to understand why that matters so much to you.

Related articles

• The Dreaded Plateau! (hethercrawford.wordpress.com)

Pain: The Body's Way of Saying "I'm Challenging You"

It's not easy to work out five days a week and, I admit, some weeks I don't reach that goal—being a mother, wife, and woman of infinite responsibility can make that hard sometimes—but I put forth the effort to do something everyday no matter what; as long as I'm physically able.

That said, you can only do so much of the same thing before your body gets bored and requires something more to produce results. So I am always challenging myself to do more, push harder, and test the limits of what is thought possible.

Sometimes that approach is met with resistance of both the physical (sore muscles, a deep burning sensation—hint, hint, that's your muscles saying "gimme more", and fatigue) and mental kind (questioning your ability to do the routine and wondering if it's actually worth all the physical consequences).

I cannot tell you the number of times I've felt like doing nothing or opting for the easier, more manageable routine, that I know can be completed with ease. After all, if I believe those around me, I should be in "maintenance mode" now, so there is purpose in coming up with more challenges for my body to meet.

For those of you who can understand the latter point, here's a word of wisdom from a simple woman of faith: there is nothing wrong with being satisfied with where you are, physically, but if you're not, you will never get to that point without finding new ways to both challenge yourself and present your body with a reason to get stronger, leaner, and more physically fit.

Part of the beauty of learning a new exercise routine or fitting in one additional set is the great feeling you get from the knowledge that you are progressing.

Maybe last year you couldn't last five minutes on the elliptical machine before bailing on it altogether but, as you did more, your body became accustomed to the rigor and now, maybe, that five minutes is what you do to warm-up your body before advancing to the more intense levels of your regimen.

Progression makes you feel good. Progression is what keeps us all fired up to do more and you should try to never lose your desire to do more.

Your body is your temple to build and glorify. There is nothing arrogant or conceded about doing that if your intent is the overall goal of being balanced on every level and feeling as good about yourself on the outside as you do about the inside.

Celebrate yourself, challenge your will, and try to be better everyday.

Related articles

• 5 Ways Your Body Is Telling You That You Need a New Mattress (fitsugar.com)
• How to connect the mind and body (femalesexualhealth.wordpress.com)
• What are some good ways to improve my core muscles and lower back strength? (zocdoc.com)