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PARK CITY — It’s a term some of us are all too familiar with: the weight loss plateau. We get into a healthy routine and soon the pounds begin to fall off. Just when you’re feeling like you’re getting the hang of it, suddenly all progress comes to a screeching halt and you’ve hit the dreaded weight loss plateau.
According to Julienne McCuloch, exercise physiologist at Park City Medical Center, we all have barriers and setbacks. “Once you hit about that six-month mark, you’re going to see that you’re hitting a plateau or changes aren’t coming as readily so then you’ll want to change, adapt and reassess goals,” McCuloch said.
Making simple changes to your routine could be just what you need to get back on track. “Focusing on what is specific to us and then making that small change, whether it’s getting more sleep, stress reduction, adding exercise or changing a little bit of our diet,” she said.
Every little change helps disrupt your body's normal routine, causing it to respond. Don't think of it as hitting a plateau, but a time to re-evaluate.
“I also like to look at exercise as an experiment and not a pass or fail,” she said. Don’t try and force yourself to go to the gym if you don’t like working out in a gym-type setting. Make it a journey you’ll enjoy with activities you enjoy. Better health is measured over a lifetime, so be patient and know that even small changes can make a big difference. Jenniffer is a Special Projects Producer who heads up the Your Life Your Health, Zero Fatalities and High 5 initiatives. For questions, feedback or possible story ideas, please email jmichaelson@ksl.com.
