No matter how hard or how often you ride your Bike or Tread, you will eventually hit a workout plateau. This is happens to almost every athlete, regardless of where they are in their health and wellness journey, so don't get discouraged--there's a proven plan of attack.
“The human body is an amazing piece of machinery, capable of adapting to just about any circumstance or stimulus,” according to the American Council On Exercise. “By shaking things up and introducing some new elements, you’ll likely find yourself back on the road to progress in no time.”
Not sure where to start? We asked our Community for their favorite ways to push past a workout plateau. So, whether you're a newbie or a longtime Member, here are 5 simple ways to take your Peloton fitness routine to the next level.
You Are What You Eat
Exercise is only part of the equation for a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you incorporate a healthy diet too for maximum results. “Eating a diet of enough protein and good fats and carbs will keep you full and your metabolism up,” says Dana P. “Make sure you're eating enough calories when increasing your cardio workouts.”
Take Rest Days
Even if you're addicted to cycling, it's important to give your body time to rest to avoid injuries. So make sure you pencil in regular recovery days. “I plan days where I don't do anything other than take the dogs for a leisurely walk,” says Christine R. “Your body will adapt to accommodate doing the same thing over and over, making it less effective. Exercise is trauma and your body needs time to heal or you won't reap the benefits.”
Mix It Up
Maybe you can't get enough of Cody or Emma's rides. But, even if you have an all-time favorite, it's still important to consistently mix up your workouts for the best results. “I just got the Peloton on Monday and plan to ride every day,” says Peter G. “I play high-level tennis 3 to 4 times a week and mix in weight-training with a trainer. It's not a race! Just make sure you set goals that are realistic and sustainable for the long term.”
Try Power Zone Training
Power Zone workouts are a great way to make sure you don't fall into a fitness slump, regardless of whether you're brand-new or an experienced rider. “Power Zone Training is great for everyone,” says Angie V. “It is like a personal training session that is perfectly customized to you and meets you at your current fitness level. Thus, Power Zone Training grows with you as you gain experience and fitness.”
Channel Your Inner Bodybuilder
Adding weight training to your regular routine is one of the easiest and most effective ways to push past a workout plateau. “I’m a personal trainer, so not just making this up!” says Esther A. “It’s awesome if you’re working out consistently, but adding strength training to your routine would be a great complement to the cardio. Andy Speer’s Total Strength program is a good place to start if you haven’t done a lot before.”