Weight Lifting and Progressive Overload

What is the Principle of Progressive Overload?

When talking about lifting weights, the discussion isn't complete until we understand how a muscle adapts and gets stronger. While I won't get into a deep physiological discussion here, it's important to understand the principle of progressive overload in order to get the most out of our weight training sessions.

The principle of progressive overload simply states that in order for a muscle to continue to adapt and grow, it must be gradually subject to greater and greater resistance. In other words, when a muscle is strong enough to handle a weight for a certain number of sets and reps, it's time to move to a heavier weight. Otherwise that muscle will not continue to adapt and progress will come to a halt.