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Posted by u/depressedlifterPlateau

Am I the only one who thinks plateaus are just the gym's way of saying 'get your shit together'?

TL;DR: Plateaus suck, and im wondering if I should change my programming or push through.

So, im a few months into my nSuns program, feeling like a bro with a solid routine, but here I am, stuck at the same weights for the last three weeks. It's like my barbell has developed a personality and decided it hates me.

I mean, what gives? I thought progressive overload was the goal, but apparently, my body is on some twisted vacation while my PRs are just a cruel joke. Should I switch to a deload week or is it time to finally face the music and adjust my programming?

It's like I'm trying to be this strong, confident guy, but my lifts are just there laughing at me. Maybe they're all in on some inside joke about my life choices. Do I just keep pushing through this mental roadblock or is it more effective to rethink my exercise selection? This shit is frustrating, man

56 comments

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u/saltyngl

Skill issue, bro! 馃槀 Just kidding, but it's important to remember that lifting is a marathon, not a sprint. If you've been pushing the same weight for too long, maybe take a step back and adjust your program or even just your mindset.

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u/steakandeggs_dan

Im a big fan of a carnivore diet, but this is more about your training. Plateaus can mean you need to optimize recovery, not just intensity. Look at your sleep, hydration, and stress levels. Sometimes the issue isn't in the gym.

27

Plateaus are just part of the game, man. It's normal to hit a wall sometimes, but don't let it mess with your head. Check your form, assess your recovery, and maybe even switch up your accessories to shock the muscles.

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u/powerliftingmama

Plateaus can feel like a personal attack, but they often signal the need for a change. In my experience, I hit a plateau once and realized I wasn't eating enough protein. Once I increased my intake and adjusted my programming, I started to see progress again.

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u/proteinpancakes22

Honestly, sometimes you just gotta give your body a break. Maybe whip up some protein pancakes and treat yourself! Recovery can do wonders for your progress.

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u/runningfromcardio

Lmao, those weights are plotting against you for real! But don't stress too much, it's just a phase. Maybe try some sprints or lighter lifts for a bit, then come back stronger!

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u/cardioqueen89

Just remember, every athlete faces plateaus. It's part of the journey. If you're frustrated, try not to let it take away your joy from training. Find a running buddy or someone to push you, sometimes community can break through that wall.

2

Bro, have you tried some meme-worthy approaches like changing your playlist? It sounds silly but changing your vibe can sometimes help push those PRs! 馃槀 Seriously though, try a different routine or workout partner for fresh energy.

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u/depressedlifter

Honestly, it can feel pretty dark when you're stuck, but it's part of the journey. I remember feeling totally defeated when my bench didn't budge for weeks. Sometimes it's just about fighting through that mental barrier. You got this.

29

THIS. When I first started powerlifting, I hit a plateau for six weeks! I thought I was doing something wrong, but turns out my body just needed a break. Deload weeks can do wonders, sometimes it's just about letting your body recover.

17

Facts! Plateaus are just the universe testing your resolve. Time to switch it up and get those gains!

13

Bro, it's normal to hit these walls. Just remember, you're building muscle, not making a sitcom! 馃槀 Keep pushing and consider adjusting your rep scheme or trying a new accessory lift!

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u/depressedlifter

Dude, I get it! When I plateaued, I spent nights questioning my life choices too. Sometimes, stepping back and looking at your program can provide clarity. Maybe it's not just the weights, but your mindset too

15
u/calisthenics_king

Honestly, I've been there too! One time, I plateaued on my pull-ups for months. I started focusing on negatives and adding weight to my dips, and it broke that barrier. Switching it up can work wonders

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u/weekend_warrior_22

Fr, plateaus suck! But they also teach us resilience. Have you considered cross-training? Mixing in different types of workouts can help keep things fresh and give your lifts a boost.

7

No cap, if you're not enjoying your workouts, switch it up! Find something that excites you again. Fitness should feel rewarding!

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u/macrocounter98

It's interesting how much of lifting is mental too. I always tell my clients that sometimes plateaus can reflect a lack of focus or motivation. Consider some lighter days where you work on form and technique instead of just lifting heavy.

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u/recipequeen44

Plateaus can be a sign to reassess your nutrition too. If you're not fueling your body properly, you might stall out on those gains. Consider tracking your macros for a week to see if you're hitting your targets.

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u/calorietracker99

Being detail-oriented can help when tackling plateaus. Have you been tracking your lifts? Sometimes, looking back at your progress can highlight areas to adjust. Plus, it keeps you accountable.

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u/powerliftingmama

It's like when you hit a wall in a video game, sometimes you need to level up your character! Same with lifting, so don't be discouraged if it takes time.

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u/saltyngl

Skill issue, my guy. Just kidding! Seriously, though, it might help to tweak your volume or intensity. I've seen lifters bounce back just by switching from 3 sets of 10 to 5 sets of 5

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u/macrocounter98

Remember that progress isn't always linear. Everyone hits bumps in the road! Focus on the process and celebrate those small wins. They add up over time.

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u/depressedlifter

Fr, plateaus can feel like the universe is just mocking you! I've had moments where I thought I was strong, but the weights just wouldn't budge. A deload can be a good reset. Or, are you pushing yourself enough? Sometimes it's hard to tell.

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u/cardioqueen89

As someone who loves running, I know plateaus can happen in any fitness journey. If you can, mix in some different types of training like cardio or agility work to shock your system. It might help you break through.

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u/calisthenics_king

It's super common to hit plateaus, especially with a structured program like nSuns. I hit a wall too after a few months. Switching up your rep ranges or even changing your accessory lifts can spark some growth!

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u/powerliftingmama

I completely understand your frustration. As a coach, I often tell my clients that plateaus can also signal the need for a change in programming or even nutrition. Maybe try switching your rep ranges or incorporating some intensity techniques like drop sets.

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u/calisthenics_king

You might be experiencing some mental fatigue as well as physical. I've found that mixing in some bodyweight exercises can help rejuvenate my training. Try some pull-ups or push-ups on your off days, it can reignite your motivation.

8

Bro, im with you on this struggle. Maybe switch up your lifting style? Go for some higher reps or different movements. Could help shake things up a bit.

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u/rippedandfitmom

Remember, every lifter goes through plateaus. You just have to push through and find what works for you. I often remind my kids that setbacks are part of the journey. Keep your spirits up!

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u/runningfromcardio

Not to be that person, but maybe you just need a little more caffeine to wake your muscles up! Lmao, but also, it might be time to check your sleep schedule too. Rest is key.

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u/saltyngl

i think you might be overthinking it. Try a new rep scheme or deload for a week, and don't forget that strength isn't just about the weights. Mental game matters too.

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u/squatmotivator

Bro, you gotta push through! It's like those quotes say, 'The only way out is through'. When I hit plateaus, I focus on my mindset and visualize my lifts. Positive thinking can really help, along with small adjustments in your routine.

7

Honestly, don't sweat it! Plateaus happen to the best of us. I once got stuck at a weight for months, then one day just crushed it. Keep your routine fresh and take care of your mental game, you'll bounce back.

7

I feel you on that! It's like your barbell is having a midlife crisis or something. Maybe try a little caffeine boost before your workouts, it can do wonders.

6

Plateaus can actually serve a purpose, like forcing you to reassess your methods. I hit a massive plateau during a cutting phase, but tracking my macros with precision helped break through. Sometimes it's about the little details.

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u/steakandeggs_dan

You might want to take a look at your recovery strategies. Sometimes it's not just about lifting heavier but allowing your body to actually recover. A solid diet, proper sleep, and maybe even a massage can help you break that plateau

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u/powerliftingmama

I used to think plateaus were the worst, but now I see them as opportunities. Like, sometimes you just need to reset and refine your technique or explore different exercises. My squat improved massively when I focused on mobility.

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u/gymbagorganizer

Organizing your workouts might help too. Make a list of your main lifts and accessory work. Sometimes having a clear plan helps identify where to make adjustments!

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u/squatmotivator

Ngl, this sounds like a perfect time for some new motivation! Hit those PRs with some fresh playlists or workout buddies. You might surprise yourself with what you can lift after a little break.

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u/recipequeen44

Plateaus can be frustrating, but they also give you a chance to reassess your meal prep! Make sure you're getting enough nutrients. A solid recipe I love is quinoa with black beans and veggies. It's loaded with protein and energy!

4

For sure, you might wanna check if you're staying hydrated too! Even slight dehydration can affect performance. So drink up, bro!

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u/macrocounter98

I hear you! Sometimes a deload week can help reset your progress. Also, consider evaluating your nutrition and sleep habits. They play a big role in recovery and performance.

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u/steakandeggs_dan

When I hit a plateau, I looked at my diet. Cutting out excess carbs and focusing on lean meats made a difference for me. If you haven't tried adjusting your intake, maybe it's worth looking into.

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u/runningfromcardio

Ngl, I just avoid plateaus by running away from them. But seriously, I think if you switch to some lighter cardio or focus on agility for a week, it can help clear your head and get those lifts moving again

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u/cardioqueen89

Plateaus can be frustrating, but they're also a signal to adapt your training. Incorporating different modalities or conditioning can help! Even some light cardio can spark new gains.

2

You can't let the barbell win! If you feel stuck, sometimes the best thing to do is change the game plan. Try adding a different rep range or focusing on form for a while.

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u/veganpowerlifter

I believe in the power of variety! As a vegan lifter, I've had to get creative with my protein sources. If u're stuck, maybe try incorporating some plant-based meals into your routine for new energy.

105
u/gymbagorganizer

It might be time for a fresh perspective. Have you thought about organizing your workout splits differently? Changing how you structure your sessions can sometimes lead to breakthroughs.

1
u/macrocounter98

Consider taking a deload week to allow your body to recover. Sometimes, the biggest gains come after a rest. You'll come back stronger! Just don't forget to listen to your body.

0
u/squatmotivator

You're not alone! Hitting plateaus is basically a rite of passage for lifters. Maybe try switching up your squat or deadlift variations. I've had success with deficit deadlifts after being stuck for weeks.

0
u/caffeineconnoisseur

Facts! It's like your body says, 'Let's see how bad you want it!' Sometimes, caffeine boosts can help too. Just don't go overboard and forget to hydrate!

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u/calorietracker99

This is so relatable! I hit a plateau on deadlifts last summer and had to rethink my approach. Tracking everything closely helped pinpoint issues in my form and recovery. Don't forget to monitor your progress!

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u/calorietracker99

Make sure you're not just grinding for the sake of it. Tracking your workouts and recovery can help identify if you need a deload or just a change in routine. Keeping a log can reveal patterns in your training.

8

100% bro, plateaus suck! But they also teach you patience. Try a mini-cycling phase or adjust your RPE. Those subtle changes can do the trick. You're not alone in this.

1
u/recipequeen44

Meal prep can make a big difference in performance! If you're not eating enough, it might be why those weights aren't moving. I always make sure to have a solid post-workout meal ready to go

0

You could also incorporate some dynamic warm-ups before your workouts. Just a little activation can make a difference! Try it out, see how you feel

0