New York Times: When your workout stops working
UC expert suggests a method of getting muscles to work smarter, not harder
Starting up a new exercise routine can be challenging. The first weeks can produce trembling muscles, burning lungs and a racing heart. But after a month or two, it gets easier: You’re running faster and longer, or lifting weights with more ease. Then suddenly, progress slows or stalls. You’ve hit a workout plateau.
In article on this topic published by the New York Times, several experts were interviewed, including Brian Grawe, MD, of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the UC College of Medicine.
Brian Grawe, MD, of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Marketing + Brand
The Times reported that plateaus can happen once the body adapts to a new workout. After just a few training sessions, the brain can become more skilled at telling muscles to move. And, usually over the course of weeks or months, the body itself changes.
The article went on to describe some strategies to help overcome unwanted plateaus, including multi-tasking exercises to produce more widespread results.
One option is to wear a cuff around a muscle during exercise. This practice, known as blood restriction therapy, limits blood flow to mimic the effect lifting weights has on the muscle.
“It allows your muscles to work smarter, not harder,” gaining strength while lifting less weight, said Grawe. While the tool is safe, Grawe recommended consulting a personal trainer or doctor before using one.
Lead photo/Alex Wroblewski/New York Times
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