Everyone who works out experiences a plateau at some point in their fitness routine. All of the sudden, we may stop losing weight…or we can’t seem to move any further along in our weightlifting levels.

Why do we plateau – especially when we have finally revved ourselves up into a strong regimen of healthy eating, consistent workouts, and awesome energy levels?

Does this sound like you? One day you wake up, look at yourself in the mirror, and see a different person.

What happened to my triceps? I hate myself for eating ice-cream last night. Why do I look so old? Who am I kidding?

But have we really changed? In some cases we truly have let our healthy routine “flat line,” but more often than not this feeling of deflation is mere perception, not reality. We all encounter these dips into depression, stress or doubt, because we feel we have to constantly improve and attain the next level of superiority. These doubtful feelings are absolutely natural

I believe that in life we have to sink down a bit to come up stronger. If the blueprint for health in your mind is written to overcome the set-backs, you’ll be okay.

Here are some tips:

• Before entirely giving up your exercise and nutrition routine due to a “crash,” give yourself a break: Step away for a couple of days to regroup, then come back one step at a time. Look in the mirror and say, “I will do this, it’s written into my new blueprint for health.”
• Change your routine. My suggestion is that you exercise a little more doing something different, eat something completely new and foreign to you. Look in the mirror and say, “Crashing is just a calling to try something different.”
• Obsessing on stress creates stagnation, not movement. You have to let go to achieve what you desire. Be clear in your goals, plan the necessary steps and take the actions you require and time will be your best friend.