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Moving Past Workout Plateaus

Why mixing it up will have you seeing results again

By Peter Nielsen

Question: I'm a 45-year-old woman and a Jazzercise instructor. I teach seven days a week and eat healthfully, but I can't seem to get rid of the extra weight around my middle. I need help. - Charlene, metro Detroit

Answer: Charlene, you're not alone. I'm asked this question a lot. The problem is since you're doing the same exercises each workout, you've trained your body not to lose weight. You're stuck on what's called a workout plateau.

One of the main reasons many people stop working out is that they aren't seeing the results they want and don't feel as if their workout routine is working anymore. There's a reason behind this; scientists call it the General Adaptation Principle. Studies have shown the human body has an incredible ability to adapt to whatever comes our way.

So how do you get off this plateau? Mix up your workout routine. Instead of doing the same cardio exercise, change it up. You also can increase the intensity by doing intervals

Since you're a Jazzercise instructor and need to keep doing your class, try changing up the routine a little or try some weight training, an elliptical machine or treadmill before youYou also can try supersetting, a surefire way to get off a workout plateau. Supersets are two exercises back-to-back with little or no rest in between. An example would be to do a set of chest presses immediately followed by a set of dumbbell rows. This keeps your heart rate up and helps burn calories while building muscle. Remember, muscle burns twice as many calories as fat, so strength training is key. Good luck on breaking through that barrier.

If you have questions on nutrition or exercise, you can reach Peter Nielsen and his staff at 888.763.4808. Listen to Peter on News/ Talk 760 WJR Detroit at 11:25 a.m. daily and 3 to 4 p.m. every Sunday, and check local listings for Peter's nationally syndicated TV series, Peter's Principles, seen locally on WDIV-TV (Channel 4). For more information on his programs or products, visit www.peternielsen.com. Have a question for Peter? E-mail it to cmnelson@dnps.com or nielsenfit@aol.com.