What does "progressive overload" refer to in athletic training?

Progressive overload is a fundamental principle in athletic training that focuses on gradually increasing training intensity to stimulate adaptations in the body. This approach is critical for enhancing strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance. By systematically increasing the weight lifted, the duration of workouts, or the intensity of exercises, athletes can push their bodies beyond their current capabilities. This process challenges the muscles and promotes growth and efficiency, ultimately leading to improved performance.

Gradual increases in training intensity can take various forms, such as adding weight to lifts, increasing the number of repetitions or sets, or performing exercises at a higher intensity. This ensures that the body continues to adapt and avoid plateaus, facilitating continuous progress in physical fitness.

In contrast, decreasing workout difficulty over time, maintaining the same level of training, or limiting training variety can lead to stagnation and reduced performance, as the body is not adequately challenged to adapt and grow. Hence, understanding and applying the principle of progressive overload is essential for effective athletic training and achieving long-term fitness goals.