Progressive overload
Progressive overload: Progressive overload Progressive overload is the gradual increase of a training demand over time to support adaptation. The change might involve resistance, repetitions, duration, range of motion, technical quality, density or another relevant variable. It does not mean increasing every variable in every session, training through pain, or pursuing constant exhaustion. Progression depends on training history, recovery, technique, goals and individual constraints. A qualified trainer or appropriate health professional should review progression when injury, illness, pregnancy, disability, medicat
Progressive overload
Progressive overload is the gradual increase of a training demand over time to support adaptation. The change might involve resistance, repetitions, duration, range of motion, technical quality, density or another relevant variable.
It does not mean increasing every variable in every session, training through pain, or pursuing constant exhaustion. Progression depends on training history, recovery, technique, goals and individual constraints. A qualified trainer or appropriate health professional should review progression when injury, illness, pregnancy, disability, medication effects or other clinical considerations are present.
Related concepts include training volume, intensity, frequency, specificity, recovery, adaptation and periodisation.
Sources for review: American College of Sports Medicine and Exercise & Sports Science Australia training guidance. Recheck current guidance when updating.