Written by Jason Whistler, Health & Wellness Expert
Jason Whistler is a leader in health, wellness and personal development and the founder of Yakushi-An wellness centers. He is dual, board-certified in Health & Wellness Coaching and Therapeutic Bodywork and has the distinction of teaching Ninpo Taijutsu for over 20 years.
You’ve been sticking to your healthy habits for a while now. You’re drinking more water, taking your daily walks, and making better choices. But lately, things aren’t moving the way they were at first. The scale isn’t budging, and your energy levels seem to have hit a wall. This is a common experience known as hitting a plateau.
Hitting a plateau isn’t a sign that your efforts aren’t working. It’s just your body adjusting to the new normal. How do you break through this and continue making progress?
Why plateaus happen
Plateaus occur because the body is incredibly adaptable. When you first introduce new habits, your body reacts quickly. Over time, however, it gets used to those changes and stops responding the same way. That’s when you need to mix things up.
Three simple strategies to break through
Change your routine: If you’ve been walking the same path or doing the same workout, try adding some intensity or variety. This could mean incorporating resistance training or increasing your walking speed. Changing things up from time to time also helps with motivation by keeping things interesting.
Track your food intake: Even if you’re eating well, portion sizes can creep up and food quality may slide, especially if you've been feeling stressed lately. Start tracking your meals for a week to see if there are any hidden calories, unbalanced nutrients, or junk food sneaking back into your meal planning.
Prioritize rest and recovery: Sleep and recovery play a huge role in progress. If you’ve been skimping on sleep, it could be hindering your results. Try adding more downtime into your routine, enforcing a bedtime, or adding an electronics curfew to support your body’s recovery.
Need a little more?
You may be wondering if this is all really that simple? It can be, but often, my clients find that these principles apply to more than just weight and energy. Reflect on where you might be stuck, physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. What small changes can you make to push past those plateaus?
What’s next?
Breaking through a plateau requires intentional adjustments, but the key is to stay persistent. In the next article, we’ll dive deeper into how small tweaks in your nutrition can provide the energy boost you need to keep pushing forward. Until then, try out these strategies and watch your progress return.
Read more from Jason Whistler
Jason Whistler, Health & Wellness Expert
Jason Whistler is a leader in health, wellness, and personal development, and the founder of Yakushi-An wellness centers. He is dual board-certified in Health & Wellness Coaching and Therapeutic Bodywork, and has the distinction of teaching Ninpo Taijutsu for over 20 years. With a deep understanding of bio-mechanics, health, and human potential, Whistler has developed strategies that significantly enhance physical and mental well-being. He has dedicated his life to helping others break free from pain and stress, enabling them to enjoy more ease, joy, and fulfillment in their lives. His mission: Empower individuals to achieve true life mastery
