What is progressive overload in the context of fitness and wellness?

Progressive overload is a fundamental concept in fitness and wellness that refers to the process of gradually increasing the demands placed on the body during exercise. This principle is crucial for enhancing physical fitness, building muscle strength, and improving overall performance. By ensuring that the demands placed on the body exceed those of daily activities, individuals can stimulate physiological adaptations, such as increased muscle size, strength, and endurance.

When you progressively increase the weight, intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts, your body responds by becoming stronger and more efficient. This adaptation occurs because the body learns to cope with the increased stress applied during training sessions, resulting in improved fitness levels over time. Hence, this concept underscores the importance of challenging oneself beyond normal activity levels to achieve progress in fitness goals.