Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s already Sunday evening. This weekend flew by in a haze of yoga, yoga and more yoga. Literally, I was either practicing, teaching or assisting teacher training 10 hours each day. Needless to say that’s pretty much my idea of perfection and I am overflowing with gratitude and happiness that I’m able to be a part of teacher training on the other side of things. It’s a pretty incredible experience.
This was a strong yoga week for me overall. I practiced every day except for Friday and two of those were ashtanga practices. I haven’t felt this good and motivated about my yoga practice in a long time. This is a nice segue into talking about plateaus. I definitely feel like my yoga practice has plateaued over the last year. Every time I showed up to practice I took the same type of class and did the same thing. Yes, I can do handstands, arm balances and some more advanced stuff but I wasn’t growing.
I don’t necessarily think that plateaus are a bad thing. It can be overwhelming and take the fun out of fitness when you’re constantly trying to become faster, stronger and fitter and get new PRs. So sometimes it feels really right to do what feels good, especially when you’re feeling a lot of life demands from other areas like your personal life, work and family. It happens to everyone and sometimes we need the space to just let things be what they are but you reach a point where you crave more. Well, I’m craving more now both in my own practice and in what I bring to my students.
I think the catalyst to breaking out of this plateau was coming back to my ashtanga practice and starting teacher training. I’m feeling so on fire about yoga and ready to bust out of my current state…both physically and spiritually.
Getting back to plateaus…here are some of my tips for breaking out of them (when you’re ready!).
1. Mix it up.
Always run marathons? Sign up for a 5K and train speed instead. Always practice power yoga with the same teacher? Try a new studio or a completely different type of yoga with a new teacher.
2. Attend a workshop or training.
Sign up for a workshop or study with a “guru” in the CrossFit, fitness, yoga, running world. I always have a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm after workshops and trainings.
3. Try something new.
If running is your one and only but you’re not growing, try strength training to see new gains. Not making any CrossFit progress? Work on your mobility with yoga to improve your posture and movement patterns. Die hard yogi? Go for a run or try a circuit training class.
4. Hire a professional.
How many times have you heard me say…”I need a trainer.” When you’re in a rut, call a professional. Schedule a yoga private, work with a personal trainer…even if it’s just one session. You can always make it work by splitting it with a friend or making it a priority. You don’t have to commit long term but it can give you great new inspiration.
5. Rest more.
I know that sounds counter-intuitive but you might be overtraining which can cause lethargy and a general lack of motivation. Check out this post I wrote with two tests you can do to see if you’re overtrained.
Tell me how you beat plateaus?
And now, here’s a look at this week’s workouts! I’m totally pleased with the mix I have going here. It was a really good week!
Monday
60 minute hot yoga + 30 minute spin class
Tuesday
Ashtanga practice + circuit training workout
Wednesday
60 minute hot yoga + CrossFit WOD
1,000 m row
THEN
21-15-9-6-3
Burpees
Kettlebell Swings
THEN
1,000 m row
Finished in right over 16 minutes. Great workout!
Thursday
60 minute hot yoga + circuit training class
Friday
2.5 mile run + CrossFit WOD
30 overhead squats
30 v-ups
20 power snatch
2o v-ups
10 squat snatch (I modified to power)
10 v-ups
Finished in a little over 8 minutes
Saturday
60 minute yoga class
Sunday
Ashtanga practice
