Hit a Plateau? Try These 4 Lifting Tips

We’ve all had our “off” days in the gym. We go for a lift that mathematically, compared to our previous numbers, we should be able to hit. But whether it’s the bar moving slow off your chest or a deadlift that just won’t lockout, gravity isn’t having any of it today. It’s a disappointing feeling, but there’s always next time. Then “next time” comes, and it’s the same result—a failed attempt. Repeat this cycle, and it only means one thing: You’ve hit a lifting plateau.

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Don’t worry, because whether this is your first plateau or you’ve been here before, there’s a way through. Check out these four tips to help.

Assess If You’re Neglecting Certain Areas

Many of us get set in our ways. Whether it’s always wearing that one favorite piece of bodybuilding apparel on PR days or never deviating from our routine, we all have our set-in-stone habits and practices. This can be a good thing in the gym since consistency can breed results.But, over time, if you’ve neglected certain aspects of your training, it can show in your strength and size. For example, if you’re fighting with a squat plateau, maybe the answer isn’t in your legs, but the stabilizer muscles running through your core. Assess what you could be missing in your routine and aim to improve it. With any luck, your work will carry over to your plateaued lift.

Are You at Your Best Outside of the Gym?

Maybe intensity isn’t a problem for you, and you regularly leave your workouts drenched from head to toe. Are you giving your diet and recovery that same kind of intensity? Over time, things like not heading to bed on time or having a few too many cheat meals can hurt your progress. We all hate to admit when we’re slacking, but the results don’t lie. Consider if you’re giving it your all outside of the gym and, if not, get on top of it.

Mix Things Up

Variety is the spice of life. Whether we’re trying out new bodybuilding clothes or taking a look at a new way to do a lift, mixing things up is a good thing. If you’re stuck at a plateau and have been following the same exact rep and set scheme for months, it should be no surprise you’re having trouble making progress. Sometimes something as little as taking a de-load week or doing an alternative movement can help you get through the dreaded plateau. Give yourself permission to cheat on your tried-and-true routine and see if changing things up helps.

Keep Pushing

At the end of the day, plateaus happen to all of us, even professionals. It’s how you react to them that determines whether you stay at them or push through them. Even if this is your first plateau, you’re probably going to face one again at some point in your long lifting career. Keep these tips in mind and also keep your mental tools sharp. You can do it!

About GASP

If you’re looking for bodybuilding clothing that doesn’t cut corners or make excuses, you’re right at home at GASP. The bodybuilding apparel brand has been at it for years, working closely with professionals and everyday athletes to make bodybuilding clothing that fits you well and looks the part too. GASP offers a wide variety of clothing made for the modern bodybuilder’s physique. Whether you’re looking for T-shirts, stringers, joggers, tank tops, or anything in between, GASP has you covered. They also carry a line of accessories to help you push past any obstacles standing between you and your next PR.

Shop GASP’s no-compromise lineup of bodybuilding apparel at Gaspofficial.com

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