Plateauing

[bud_2005]

I found this article kind of interesting in the newest Men's Fitness. This is how the article starts:

"Here's the scenario: You've been following one workout routine for weeks now-maybe even one of our awesome MF programs-and you've made great progress. But lately, something isn't right. You couldn't get all your reps on your bench press last week, so you had to lighten the weight. You don't look any bigger now than you did last month, and, perhaps worst of all, you're not even looking forward to going to the gym for your next session. You've done the same exercises so many times, they're just not fun anymore. It's time to admit the inevitable: You've plateaued."

Does everyone have to worry about this and how long do you have to working out to worry about it(months, years?). I don't really understand it because your muscles will build over time to where they can go up to the next weight right?

 

[dirtyvibe]

i think its because the muscles get used to the same motions and so stop adapting, where the adaption is getting stronger. im not sure though. and if youre just starting, id say a few months. not sure though.

 

[MrS]

Change up the exercise.
It's jsut when you can't keep getting stronger.
Doesn't have a set time.

 

[Bible_Belt]

For people trying to work out at home, plateau comes faster using dumbbells and working out without a spotter. You get to the point where you can't add weight without buying a new machine or gettting AF to spot for you.

 

[tmpgstx]

I don't buy into the plateau concept. I'm always growing and using machines. Sometimes moving up in weight 20lbs at a time every week or two. I've never used a spotter and always go to the point of failure (advantage of machines).

You should never atrophy if you're continous and doing a good and balanced work-out.