What does the term "progressive overload" refer to in fitness training?

The term "progressive overload" is a fundamental concept in fitness training that entails gradually increasing the demands placed on the body during exercise to continue advancing in strength, endurance, and overall fitness. This approach ensures that the body does not adapt completely to a specific workload, which could lead to stagnation in performance and progress.

By gradually increasing exercise volume (such as the number of repetitions or sets) or intensity (such as the weight lifted or the speed of exercise), individuals can stimulate muscle growth, enhance cardiovascular capacity, and improve overall physical performance. This method keeps the body challenged and encourages improvements over time, making it crucial for anyone seeking long-term gains in their fitness journey.

In contrast, using the same weights repeatedly would not facilitate improvement, as it maintains a static workload without the challenges necessary for growth. Maintaining current fitness levels does not push the body to adapt and improve, while solely focusing on flexibility training does not encompass the broader aspects of fitness that progressive overload addresses, such as strength and endurance.