The gradual increase of stress placed on the body during exercise training. This can involve adding weight, increasing reps, or extending workout duration to continually challenge muscles for growth.
From Latin 'progressus' (advance forward) and 'over' + 'load' (burden). The principle was formalized by exercise physiologist Thomas DeLorme in the 1940s for rehabilitation, then adopted by strength training.
Progressive overload is the fundamental law of all physical adaptation - without it, your body has no reason to get stronger! Even adding just 2.5 pounds to a lift each week can result in 130 pounds of progress over a year.
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