How Do You Handle a Plateau in a Client's Progress?
In the journey to peak physical fitness, plateaus can be a common yet frustrating obstacle. We reached out to fitness experts and CEOs in the wellness industry to share their success stories. From implementing portion control and high-intensity interval training to shifting focus to strength training, here are four powerful strategies they've used to help clients break through a plateau.
- Implement Portion Control and HIIT
- Introduce Exercise Variety and Nutrition
- Apply Progressive Overload and Diet Adjustment
- Shift to Strength Training for Results
Implement Portion Control and HIIT
In the past, I had the opportunity to work with Victoria as a client. She encountered a stubborn halt in her weight-loss journey, despite her regular sweat sessions and apparently wholesome eating plan. With a sharp gaze, she finally realized—her food servings had been gradually getting bigger, sneaking in extra calories without her knowing.
The strategy was a neat one: we just swapped out her large dishes for smaller ones. Her portion sizes were naturally decreased, and she didn't feel like she was missing out on anything. We then threw in high-intensity interval training (HIIT—a good pair to supercharge metabolism) into her regime twice a week. Victoria broke her deadlock with this combo of portion control and HIIT exercise, dropping 7 pounds in the next month. Isn't it surprising how small things can make all the difference? Perhaps it speaks to the need we have to scrutinize those minor aspects we often overlook in our fitness regimes—after all, wouldn't you agree they can have a hefty influence on results?
Introduce Exercise Variety and Nutrition
A client of mine was experiencing a plateau in their progress after several months. To tackle this, I reviewed their workout routine and diet for possible improvements. I introduced a variety of new exercises and adjusted their nutrition to optimize performance. We also added high-intensity interval training to increase challenge and engagement. This approach helped them overcome the plateau and achieve noticeable progress.
Apply Progressive Overload and Diet Adjustment
I recall when I helped a client break through a plateau in their fitness progress. The client had been consistently working out for several months, but they reached a point where they no longer saw improvements in strength or muscle growth. After evaluating their routine, I noticed they performed the same exercises with the same intensity and volume. To address this, I introduced a 'progressive overload' concept, which involved gradually increasing the weight, reps, or intensity. We also varied their workout routine by incorporating new exercises and emphasizing different muscle groups. Additionally, we adjusted their diet to ensure they were getting enough protein and calories to support muscle recovery and growth. Within a few weeks, the client began to see renewed progress and felt more motivated than ever.
Shift to Strength Training for Results
So, there I was, with this (soon to be) client who was practically married to the elliptical, she’s going and going and sweating buckets but getting nowhere. She was frustrated, I was frustrated just watching her—it was like watching a hamster on a wheel, all effort and getting nowhere… fast.
I sat her down, looked her dead in the eye, and said, "It's time to shake things up and start lifting!" I introduced her to the weight room.
About five weeks later? She was looking leaner and feeling stronger. Strength training is something women must never overlook.
