How to Get Out of a Fitness Rut

Make sure you prioritize recovery, mix up your routine and more.

If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau with exercise and aren’t seeing much progress, here are some tips to get out of a fitness rut.

Make sure you prioritize recovery. There is such a thing as overtraining syndrome, or ots, which negatively affects your fitness and can lead to injuries. It can cause fatigue and declining performance overall. In between strenuous workouts, incorporate a rest day where you try something less demanding like yoga.

Try mixing up your routine as well…if you find yourself going through the same thing over and over at the gym, challenge your muscles in new, creative ways. swap your usual run for a bike ride, or follow along to a pilates video. This can give your body a wake-up call, prompting it to adapt and progress beyond its current limitations.

Try setting smarter goals. Ineffective goal setting is another pitfall that can land you in a rut. Choose something meaningful and attainable like “I want to be able to keep up more with my grandchildren or wanting to set a good example for your kids.”

Also, track your progress. It can be easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come. Use a fitness journal, smartphone app or wearable device to help push you. You can monitor the weight you’ve lifted, distances you walked or ran, and heart-rate levels as a way to compete with yourself.

You can also seek professional guidance. Fitness professionals can provide expert advice and customized workout plans to help you break through your plateau. It’s important though, to find a reputable personal trainer who is a good fit for your needs.