You’re working out. you’re eating better. you’re feeling good… and then, out of nowhere, everything seems to stall.
No more changes. no new strength gains. no visible progress.
This is called a plateau. and it’s completely normal.
Why plateaus happen
Plateaus happen because your body is doing exactly what it’s designed to do—adapt. at first, every new workout is a shock. your body responds fast. but over time, it gets used to the stimulus.
When that happens, it’s a signal: your body is stronger now. it’s time to level up.
How to reframe the stall
Instead of seeing a plateau as a setback, try seeing it as a checkpoint. it means you’ve built a new baseline. now you get to ask, “What’s next?”
Plateaus aren’t the end. they’re invitations to grow.
Ways to break through
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adjust your training: add weight, change tempo, or switch up exercises
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evaluate your recovery: are you sleeping enough? eating enough? managing stress?
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track your progress differently: strength, mood, energy, mobility—not just scale weight
Small tweaks can lead to big breakthroughs when you’re consistent.
My own plateau moment
A few years ago, I hit a six-month plateau. no PRs. no big visual changes. I was frustrated. I almost switched programs out of impatience—but instead, I reassessed.
I dialed in sleep. I cleaned up my nutrition. I adjusted my training split. and eventually—slowly—the changes came.
Plateaus aren’t walls. they’re speed bumps. they slow you down just enough to pay attention.
If you’re feeling stuck—you’re still moving
plateaus mean progress has happened. they mean you’re no longer where you started. don’t let the slow parts of your journey steal your belief.
you’re still moving. keep going.
– Yann
