Hit a Wall

InsaneLuchador

Any advice for someone hitting a wall? My first 30 lbs came off rather quickly in about 6 weeks, the next 10 lbs were a bit more of a struggle, taking about 4 weeks to accomplish. Now the past 3-4 weeks I have hovering at the -40lbs mark and can't seem to break through to the next level.

SweGuy

I believe you have reached a plateau, what you could do is change habits because the body isn`t stupid.. I mean, it learns so we need to be smarter.. LMHO... Try changing your workouts; do you go to a gym? Try different classes - I personally love Spinning and Body Combat plus Pump but I am a little bit too hesitant when it comes to classes with more choreography... And if you do free weights, consult and hire a Private Trainer because they sure will kick you WAY OFF that tedious plateau...

Good luck!

jessicahelene

This won't work for everyone but when I hit a plateau and am still working hard I do a really ( and I mean REALLY ) low sodium day. Eat your normal amount of calories but drink lots of water and try to eat as little sodium as possible (usually on these days I average about 500-1000 mg). This always works for me and is probably a combination of a couple of things. First of all, in order to have such low sodium requires a lot of "whole" foods - nothing processed. Second, it's sort of a "shock" to your body which is said to help kickstart weight loss. Plus you let go of some water weight.

rlincoln21

Great job on your accomplishments so far! Whenever I hit a wall, I like to add some intense variety to my exercise routine. Something outside my comfort zone is sure to use new muscles and increase my heart rate.

Perhaps you could try a new class at your gym. Last winter, I took up spinning for the first time in a number of years. It was definitely challenging at first (and remains so!), but I loved the "burn" I got from the class, and I felt good about pushing myself to new limits.

This website has some helpful suggestions:

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/exercisevariety.htm

As for food, I would suggest the same approach. With a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year, it's a great opportunity to sample some new, healthy choices!

InsaneLuchador

Thanks for your suggestions. No I don't use a gym.....small town and driving to the city to a gym just isn't economical. Most nights of the week I walk after supper, except on the nights/days I golf, which is once or twice a week. I carry my clubs when I golf to get a little extra from it. Changing things up though is a good thought.....I've been a little hesitant to step up to jogging as I have been recovering from a torn calf muscle, but now might be the time to help get over this hump.

As far as food goes, I would say 80-90% of what I eat now is fresh meat, veggies, and fruit......so very little processed food is consumed as well as quite low sodium consumption

minadeathclutch

Thanks for your suggestions. No I don't use a gym.....small town and driving to the city to a gym just isn't economical. Most nights of the week I walk after supper, except on the nights/days I golf, which is once or twice a week. I carry my clubs when I golf to get a little extra from it. Changing things up though is a good thought.....I've been a little hesitant to step up to jogging as I have been recovering from a torn calf muscle, but now might be the time to help get over this hump.

As far as food goes, I would say 80-90% of what I eat now is fresh meat, veggies, and fruit......so very little processed food is consumed as well as quite low sodium consumption

I'd like to view your diary if that's okay.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

Take a week off, or a week easy. Work out but not crazy (maybe try something new), eat smart but don't obsess about count, just take a week a little off.