Work-Out Insight

So...what is progressive overload?



Progressive overload refers to the gradual increase in stress placed on the human body during physical activity/training. This concept is not new, it dates back a few thousand years to the ancient Greek strong-man and Olympic wrestling champion Milo of Crotona. The human body has no need to become stronger or more physically fit unless it is forced to meet higher physical demands. The lack of progressive overload in a training program is a leading factor for stagnate work-out programs.





The use of progressive overload can overcome the staleness resulting from a lack in change in one's training program. Progressive overload is accomplished by manipulating such factors as exercise selection, amount of weight being lifted, the number of repetitions, lifting velocity, rest intervals, work-out volume, etc.