What can trigger a training plateau?

A training plateau often occurs when there is a lack of progression and unvaried workout routines. The principle of progressive overload is essential in any fitness regimen; it requires gradually increasing the intensity, volume, or complexity of workouts to continue making gains. When workouts become too repetitive or fail to challenge the body in new ways, adaptations can stall, leading to diminished improvements in strength, endurance, or muscle gain.

Incorporating new exercises, altering the number of sets and reps, or changing the overall training structure can help break this plateau by providing fresh stimuli for the muscles and nervous system, prompting further adaptation. So, the absence of such variation and progression directly contributes to reaching a standstill in physical improvements, thus triggering a plateau.