In any kind of weight loss, the dreaded plateau rears it's ugly head.  It does not matter what kind of exercise you are doing, it happens.  Our bodies are amazing machines, though.  I think this even more so after it has been the operation center, home, and feeding station for my baby!  Now, it is working overtime in getting weight off that I put on it.  Pure and simple, our bodies are one of the most interesting and strongest machines that are capable of so much.  I am literally in awe of how much it can endure.  It's so important to treat it with respect - so why is it that most of us don't?

I have hit somewhat of a plateau.  I have been pretty much the same weight for the last few weeks.  My husband has been out of town and my back up babysitters (parents) have been too.  So, gym time has been limited.  We were also on vacation last week to Orlando and although we had THE BEST time, my schedule was definitely off!  I was pretty good with food choices, but still had bites of things that I should not have (like candy apples).  When I weighed myself when I got home, it was 2 lbs higher than when I left.  But, I have already lost one.  I only got to the gym twice when I was there but I am back to strict eating and working out like crazy!  I owe it to myself to really hit this goal.  Today, I am joining LA Boxing for 4 months.  This will really be a change that my body is not used to and you are guaranteed to burn off 1,000 calories per HOUR!  So, I am hoping this will send me into the 130's soon!

For those of you that are really trying to lose the weight and have noticed a point of a plateau in the scale, DO NOT GIVE UP!   Your body is simply getting used to the schedule that you are on.  In order to keep losing weight, you need to keep changing it up.  Here are some pointers for getting you out of your rut!

1.  Change the speeds and levels of your workout on the machines.  For instance, if you are normally a treadmill type person, add some 2 lb weights to walk with.  Change the incline to be higher.  Change your speed to be uncomfortable.  If you are browsing through a magazine or reading a book, its not hard enough.  DONT HANG on to the machine.  You are not burning as many calories if you don't hang on!  This is true for the stair machine or the elliptical.  Change those levels and don't hold on!

2.  Work all major muscle groups to fail once per week.  If you normally do chest and triceps together, legs on their own, shoulders and abs together, and back and biceps together, then change it up.  Do legs on their own still (this is a major muscle that is very strong.  They can handle being worked on their own for 30 minutes straight).  Do chest and biceps, shoulders and biceps, abs on their own...etc.  Change up the weight.  Go heavy, heavy for some days with less reps, then lighter weight with more reps.

3.  Over doing the cardio can actually have adverse effects on your body.  You really only need 30 minutes of strength and 30-45 minutes of intense cardio.  Mix up the cardio too...do cardio bursts with weight to really burn fat.  Run outside in the grass instead of the pavement.

4. Try new classes.

5. Drink TONS of water and be sure you are EATING.  Never go below 1200 calories.  Your body needs fuel just like your car needs gas.  You cannot expect your car to drive cross country without filling it up.  Don't expect your body to be any different.  Be good to it.  Fuel it with whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables to give you the energy you need.

6.  Remember.  Weight loss is all about calories in versus calories out.  You have to be consistently burning more calories than you are taking in.

7.  Be patient.  The weight did not come on overnight and its not going to leave that quickly either.  It takes time.

8.  Be a role model for your children and really think about how you are losing this weight. Your children are going to see and do just about everything that they see you doing.  Take good care of yourself.  Be healthy, be active, and make good choices.  So many people will get the positive affects of this...not just you!