Be patient
It’s common for Pilates practitioners to reach a plateau. They happen to everyone at some time. The most vital element is to persevere. Simply said, plateaus indicate that your body is becoming used to the activities and is ready for a change of pace.
5 signs you’re hitting a plateau
The following four indications suggest that your Pilates practice may be reaching a plateau:
- Your strength, flexibility, or balance aren’t getting any better.
- Your routine is making you feel uninterested or unchallenged.
- It’s getting harder for you to remain inspired.
- You feel like your weight is stagnant and there is no change in your output.
- You’re feeling uncomfortable or in pain when working out.
What to do when you’re feeling stuck in your Pilates practice
Tips to help you break through a plateau
Set goals:
First and most important thing before you decide to change up your routine, you need to set clear and attainable goals. Jot down what you feel, in which aspect you think you are stuck, and what you can do to help overcome this. Visualizing your goals and jotting them down physically makes them more achievable.
Log Book: keep a fitness log book and note down your starting point in the plateau and track your progress. This will help you figure out where exactly it is that you are stuck and what helps you improve.
Work with an Experienced Instructor:
A professional Pilates instructor may offer insightful advice and assist you in pinpointing your areas of improvement. They may also expose you to fresh workout routines and methods to help you get over your rut. Think about enrolling in a group class with a skilled instructor or scheduling private lessons.
Step Up the Intensity
It may be time to increase your intensity if you’ve been practicing Pilates at a moderate level. You may push yourself by doing workouts with more resistance, longer durations, or more repetitions. Making an effort to get beyond your comfort zone will help you advance in your practice.
Mix Routines
Your body may have reached a plateau due to its acclimatization to your regular Pilates regimen. Consider introducing fresh poses, tools, or accessories into your routine. This will keep your body guessing and provide various muscular challenges.
Take Days Off:
Giving your body time to relax and recuperate is just as vital as maintaining consistency in your Pilates practice. Overtraining might impede your growth and cause burnout. Make sure to include leisure days in your weekly schedule and pay attention to your body.
Utilise Cross-Training
Your Pilates practice may be complemented by including additional types of exercise in your regimen, which can also help you get over a plateau. Try adding exercises like strength training, yoga, or swimming to work on various muscle groups and improve your general health.
Stay positive and revel in the journey.
Recall that plateaus are a normal aspect of any fitness journey and that improvement takes time. Maintain your good attitude and relish the process rather than becoming frustrated. Appreciate your progress and acknowledge the little successes you’ve had along the road. You will continue to progress and break through your Pilates plateau if you have patience and persistence.
Enjoy the drops that make the ocean!
Pilates plateau myths: 5 things you may not know
#Myth 1: Everyone hits a plateau at the same time.
Fact: Everyone is different and will hit plateaus at different times.
#Myth 2: Once you hit a plateau, you’re stuck there forever.
Fact: Plateaus are temporary. With a little effort, you can break through them.
#Myth 3: You need to change your entire routine to break through a plateau.
Fact: Sometimes, all you need to do is make small changes to your routine, such as adding more repetitions or using a heavier weight.
#Myth 4: You need to work out for longer to break through a plateau.
Fact: Sometimes, working out for a shorter period at a higher intensity can be more effective.
#Myth 5: You can’t break through a plateau if you’re not losing weight.
Fact: There are many other benefits to Pilates besides weight loss, such as improved strength, flexibility, and balance.
Additional Tips:
- Your body speaks, so listen. If you feel pain, stop and rest.
- Change it up: Modify your routine to what your body needs.
- Find a Pilates community. Here at Sweat Pilates, we motivate one another to keep going and crush those goals.
- Celebrate the tiniest progress and acknowledge your hard work.
A plateau is completely normal, all you have to do is DON’T GIVE UP! There are many things you can do to kick-start your progress again. Take one step at a time.
Stay tuned for more health and fitness posts. Check out our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sweatpilates for our dynamic workout videos and nutrition recipes.