The libraryStrength
Break Through Your Plateau
Not gaining muscle
Also called Strength and size plateau, Plateau, Stuck on bench, Not making gains, Not getting stronger
Who it's forA man, 18 to 45, who has lifted for years and whose strength and size have not moved in months.
When to see a doctor
- Sudden weakness or numbness down one side, a drooping face or slurred speech: call 911 now. Even if it has passed.
- Joint pain that stops normal activities or sleep, keeps coming back, or lasts past 2 weeks: see your doctor. Or refer yourself to a physical therapist where you can. A hot, swollen joint with a fever: urgent care or your doctor today.
- Tired for a few weeks and you do not know why, or tired with weight loss or mood changes: see your doctor. Ask about blood tests for anemia, diabetes and the thyroid.
- Losing weight without changing what you eat or how you train: see your doctor.
- Breathing that stops and starts in your sleep, gasping or choking, or always very tired in the day: see your doctor about sleep apnea.
- Low sex drive, erection trouble, low energy and losing muscle together: see your doctor and ask about a testosterone blood test. If it is confirmed low, LH and FSH come next, to find the cause.
- Using, or coming off, anabolic steroids: see your doctor. Coming off can bring depression.
- Feeling too small whatever the mirror shows, checking your body all day, or panic at a missed session: see your doctor.
I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is self-education. Every dose on this page is the one a trial, a position stand or a label used, quoted from the source. It is not a prescription. See a doctor first about anything on the Check first list, and before anything in the With a doctor group.