One Big Health Nut

One of the biggest issues with exercise is plateaus.  Plateaus are defined as a phase in physical development during which little headway is made.  Plateaus are also called a phase of stagnation.  During a period of time when there is little increase or decrease in development, a person is considered to have struck a plateau.  If you have ever experienced a plateau, you know how frustrating this can be.   

An effective tool to avoid the plateau effect is known as Periodization.  The principal of Periodization avoids utilizing the same workload and exercise program for extended periods of time.  You would plan a series of exercise or weight lifting programs that will be performed for two or three week intervals.  After the predetermined period of weeks, you would begin a new program and perform that program for two or three weeks.   

Create a program of 8 to 10 weight lifting exercises using a heavy weight for low repetitions.  Perform this program for two to three weeks.  Then begin a circuit training program of moderate weights with higher repetitions, but very little rest and recovery time between.  Do this for two to three weeks.  Next you can devise a program that combines aerobic exercise with weight training in between. Then repeat the programs starting with the first routine again.   

The goal of periodization is to continuously change the intensity of your weight lifting or exercise program.  This will prevent your body from adapting to your exercise routine.  Your body will not reflect any increases in strength or advances in weight loss if it becomes accustomed to your exercise program.  If you have reached a plateau, a period where you have stopped losing weight or making gains in weight lifting, you will have to change your program to begin seeing advances again.