As we stretch into the last few months of the year, is your fitness routine feeling a bit stagnant? When focusing on health and wellness, there will come a time when you hit a plateau and find it challenging to move forward.

Whether your plateau is physical or mental, we are here to support and encourage you. There are a variety of ways to stay motivated on your wellness journey. Below are our top five recommendations.
 

1. Add Strength Training
   Using your own body weight, free weights or bars adds an important element to your fitness routine. Not only will strength training help accelerate your metabolism, it also builds healthy muscle mass and increases bone density.
   
   If you are new to strength training, you should ask for guidance. Be sure to ask one of the Wellness Attendants in our Wellness Centers to show you the various types of strength training equipment that we offer. They can offer tips to ensure that you get off to a strong - and healthy - start. 
    
2. Try a New Format
   When trying to push through a plateau, it helps to try new things to keep your body and your mind engaged. Cycling, Pilates, BODYPUMP, Zumba, Aqua Fit and more - the YMCA offers a variety of Group Exercise classes that are included in your membership.
   
   Trying something new may sound intimidating, but our instructors are friendly and eager to help you modify any exercise to meet your needs. Don't be shy - give it a try!
   
   Group Exercise Schedule
    
3. Sign Up for Training
   At the Y, we offer personal and small group training to help you meet your goals. YMCA trainers study the latest health trends and will offer suggestions that you may not have thought of on your own. Best of all, the exercises and recommendations will be tailored to your individual needs. 
   
   Whether you sign up for personal training sessions or small group training, you'll receive personal attention and advice just for you. Get ready to feel the most supported you've ever felt!
   
   About Personal Training
    
4. Review your Nutrition
   What goes into our bodies plays an important role in our overall health. If you are facing a fitness plateau, it might be time to review your daily nutritional routine. 
   
   Your membership includes access to YMCA360, an online platform full of on-demand workouts, meditations - and nutritional videos. Check out the nutritional resources to find new recipes and learn more about the fuel that you put into your body each day. 
   
   View YMCA360
    
5. Destress and Let Go
   While we often think that working harder and faster is the way to break through a plateau, you may actually need to slow down. Stress can combat healthy habits, making it harder to reach your fitness goals.
   
   Getting started with a mindfulness or meditation practice will help you to slow down, destress and gain mental clarity. 
   
   Mindfulness and Mental Health Offerings
    

Remember, nothing matters more than your health. So, give yourself the Gift of Health this holiday season!