Avoiding the Dreaded P90X3 Plateau in Three Simple Steps

It is something I have struggled with time and time again. Whether you do P90X3, Focus T25, Body Beast, or any of the great Beachbody Fitness Programs that I proudly coach people with, a plateau can happen. Based on my current journey, I’m calling this post the “P90X3 Plateau” by sharing three steps to avoid the plateau and know exactly when it’s coming!

So what is a workout plateau after all? Any of the following:

• Slowing down or stopping of weight loss (on the scale or visibly…aka, those final “pesky pounds”).
• Sensation of bloated belly or frustration getting rid of the “love handles”
• Lack of motivation or unwillingness to continue in the program.
• No more muscle gains.

P90X3 Plateau Buster Tip #1 – Workout Intensity

The very first focus is on the workout intensity. As the weeks progress in your fitness program, you start getting better at certain moves (whether you realize it right away or not). This is an EXCITING thing, so congratulations!

But…if you want ultimate results with your program, it’s time to amp the intensity. As soon as something gets easier, even by the smallest margin, make it harder. How?

• Increase the amount of reps
• Increase the weight
• Go deeper (pull-ups/push-ups)
• Do what is uncomfortable (don’t avoid the things you are fearful of…do the moves you hate, they are the ones waiting to give you better results and break the plateau!).

P90X3 Plateau Buster Tip #2 – Sleep and Recover!

I have to admit that I didn’t realize that sleep was impacting my ability to burn fat and continue to progress. When I started focusing on bringing it hard on the days I was scheduled to do the abs, or chest, or biceps 110%, I equally focused on the sleep and recovery as well. This also means sleeping at least 7 hours per night. It was hard at first, but you must schedule this in if you are serious about getting the best results and gains. The body re calibrates, builds, and repairs overnight during rest. Deprive it of sleep, and it will deprive you of results!

For tips on how to get better sleep with your fitness program, check out my post on “Better Sleep with P90X“. The goal is to take advantage of sleep and treat it as important as you do with working out in the first place!

P90X3 Plateau Buster Tip #3 – Nutrition Adjustments (The “BIG ONE”)

This one is HUGE, and is often one that most people get caught in. I have been caught in this web so many times. I sure hope many people see this and can change their lives. If it helps you, stop back and comment below!

TOO many people get into the mindset of the Calorie Reduction for weight loss. This is fine AT FIRST. But, as you progress down your fitness journey, you’ll hit the P90X3 plateau and not know where to turn.

What if I would tell you, the reason you stop losing fat is because you are NOT eating ENOUGH calories? Sound crazy right?

As you lose more fat and become fitter, day by day, your body requires more fuel to bring yourself to the next level.

At first, it’s a scary thing to do (you’ve lost weight already by eating less, why the HECK would you eat more!?). Take these tips to confidently move forward with breaking the nutritional P90X3 plateau. Try it, trust it, and be surprised:

• Adjust your calories by 100-200 (up or down) depending on your plateau. Use MyFitnessPal to track your efforts. Listen to your body week by week and adjust as necessary. You will notice (if you follow my nutrition on MyFitnessPal), that I always add Shakeology each day. This is a great way to balance your calories while getting the right nutrition to fuel the body.
• Depending on your workout intensity, adjust your protein and carb intake per day. If you are on a transition or victory week of P90X3 or another program, you don’t need as many carbs. Adjust them lower (not too low, but around 30% of daily calories). This is a common P90x3 plateau problem
• Lower your sodium intake. If you are having more than 2000-2300mg of sodium per day, you risk having water retention issues.
• Sugar can also be a big issue when it comes down to eating clean. Avoid processed foods, aim to eat good carbs, and your sugar intake will be fine. The more you have those little cheat meals, or go for the higher GI carbohydrate, the more you might risk eating too many sugars.

Does this stuff make no sense? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Start with How to use MyFitnessPal to track your daily food. Then, Join Team Sweet Life and reach out to me so we can get you ready to rock and roll!

The Final Secrets on Breaking your P90X3 Plateau

So the big things to focus on are:

• Workout Intensity (dig deeper each time you press play)
• Backing Off (resting in between working a muscle group, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night)
• Nutrition (dial in your nutrition, track it, and adjust it slightly as you progress)

Remember that myself and the Team Sweet Life Fitness community are here to help you succeed. Join Team Sweet Life Fitness if you aren’t already a member and let’s get working towards helping you succeed!

Comment below and let me know what questions YOU have, and what success stories you have had breaking that P90X3 plateau!

Yours in Success,

Coach Bob