Why you’re not getting results in your training

So, you’ve started your exercise routine with the best intentions, and have flown through the first few weeks of seeing great results. Unfortunately, for many, the excitement of the first few weeks quickly plateaus and it can be tricky to then see noticable progression in your training. But why is this? 

Exercise plateaus can happen for a vast number of reasons, but I thought I’d discuss some of the most common ones I see, in order to help those of you who this may apply to.

1. You’re not eating enough.

Simple as. The most common problem I come across is people undernourishing their training, then wondering why they’re unable to hit new strength goals.

Within your diet you need plenty of healthy fats and the right amount and type of carbohydrates to support your energy through training, as well as adequate amounts of protein for muscle repair. Undernourishing yourself in these key areas can result in disruption to both your mood and metabolism, so it’s definitely something to be mindful of.

2. You’re not applying a progressive overload.

Put simply, this means doing more each week within your training to allow the body to adapt and progress. It could be an extra rep, an extra km run, or added lengths in the pool. If you’re not actively challenging your body to do more, how is it ever going to know how to do more?

And this doesn’t mean you have to whack an extra heavy plate onto your squat session. Think about applying a slow and steady build up of the exercises you’re currently doing within your training.

3. Jack of all trades. Master of none.

Surprisingly, another common issue I see is people trying to be jack of all trades, but master of none. This may look something like; doing a few random classes each week, perhaps a few runs, and then wondering why they’re not seeing progression in their one or two strength training sessions each week.

Your body needs consistency with training, and constantly flip-flopping from class to class may ensure you feel great from moving (which is fab) but isn’t necessarily conducive to progressing with strength goals. If gaining strength is your main goal, try and make it the focus and see the difference it makes! Always remember, anything can make you sweat, but not everything can make your better and stronger.

I hope this helped! Feel free to check out my blog and Facebook page for more advice on weight training, fitness and exercise (and some fun too)!