is it possible to reach a fitness plateau?

dawnemjh

What I mean by this is, if I run 5 times a week at the same pace each time (9-12 min mile) between 4-7 miles at a time, after a long period of time (like years) will I stop getting a burn from the activity? Or as much of a burn as I did before? I have had such a hard time losing weight, and I wonder if the running isnt burning what I think it is. I dont necessarily eat my exercise cals back, but I am not losing even in a deficit, and I wonder if this is why. I have tried to change up my routine doing intervals/HIIT and that didnt seem to do anything, and I tried a completely different workout routine (Insanity) and that didnt do anything either?

I actually enjoy running so I would rather not give that up, but I really need to lose this weight.

Thanks!!!

jacksonpt

Yes, it is. You won't stop getting a burn, but the burn will go down the more fit you become. But it's not really a plateau, it's your body becoming stronger and more efficient.

On a side note, and I'm curious to hear Steve's thoughts on this... I do find that when your workouts are all at similar intensity and similar durations, your body because "attuned" to working that hard for that long... and it can be really hard to push beyond that. I hate the whole "muscle confusion" crap that is so trendy right now, but I think there is something to the concept in the bigger picture. You body can because accustomed to a certain intensity or working out for a certain length of time, and depending on your goals, that may or may not be a good thing.

dawnemjh

Thanks!!! I just cant figure out why I am not losing, and I did try different activites but nothing. I am also lifting twice a week, but not losing inches either.

jacksonpt

Diet. Weight loss is a function of diet more than exercise. Are you measuring/weighing your foods?

dawnemjh

Diet. Weight loss is a function of diet more than exercise. Are you measuring/weighing your foods?

yes. religiously to the gram. And it was working for the first 2 weeks, i lost, then the past 5 weeks nothing. In fact i gained 3 lbs. Everything else is same. Intake/exercise amt.

jacksonpt

Perhaps your calorie goal should be adjusted? Or your expectations? Assuming that's you in the pic, it doesn't look like you have much weigh to lose. As Steve said in his thread about light people looking to get leaner thread... noticeable weight loss should be happening over weeks, not days.

Now, you said 5 weeks and nothing... that's long enough, so I'd think you should be seeing SOMETHING.

JeffseekingV

I think as you do something over and over, you get stronger/better at it. (efficent as jack mentions). So you expend as much energy doing the same thing. so you run longer, faster, lift heavier, more reps. Or swtich to something completely different.

stroutman81

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/an-explanation-of-exercise-efficiency.html

dawnemjh

thanks! the article was exactly what I was looking for!