---
name: plateau-post-mortem
description: "For lifters stuck at the same numbers for months: a structured look at why. Use when the user wants help with Plateau Post-Mortem. Related topics: Strength Training, Fitness, Coaching."
---

# Plateau Post-Mortem

For lifters stuck at the same numbers for months: a structured look at why.

## How to use this skill

1. Ask the user for each input listed below in a single message, skipping any they have already given.
2. Where options are listed, offer them, but accept other answers too.
3. Fill the answers into the prompt template, then follow the completed prompt to produce the result.

## Inputs

- **My lifts have been flat for** (free text, e.g. "how long")
- **The lift that matters most to me** (free text, e.g. "lift and current numbers")
- **What I've already tried** (longer free text)
- **Bodyweight trend over that period** (choose one: Gaining, Maintaining, Losing, No idea)
- **Sleep and stress lately** (choose one: Fine, Mediocre, Bad)

## Prompt template

My lifts have been flat for {{My lifts have been flat for}} and I want a real diagnosis before I program-hop again.

The lift that matters most to me: {{The lift that matters most to me}}
What I've already tried: {{What I've already tried}}
Bodyweight trend over that period: {{Bodyweight trend over that period}}
Sleep and stress lately: {{Sleep and stress lately}}

Go through the usual suspects in order of likelihood for my situation: under-eating, recovery, volume too low, volume too high, technique breaking down at heavy weights, or the plateau simply being normal for my training age. For each, say what in my answers points toward or away from it. End with a single four-week test that would separate your top two candidates. Not a new program, a test.

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Source: [Plateau Post-Mortem on PromptBuild](https://promptbuild.io/prompt/l74O4to7OBEyCW72HmKJ/plateau-post-mortem)