


Increasing the number of repetitions puts more demand on your muscles. If you aren’t able to increase the tempo easily, switch to a lighter weight that you can comfortably lift for multiple sets of 10–15 reps. Try increasing the tempo by using a lighter weight but lifting at a quicker pace. You can do this by working out at a quicker pace or with less rest time in between sets. Increasing the tempo - or intensity - of your workouts can help you get stronger and fitter. Rest for 2 or 3 days before your next cardio workout.

Allow your body plenty of recovery time after putting additional strain on it. For example, run or cycle an additional 20 minutes every few weeks. A certified personal trainer can also create a plan to help you with endurance.įor cardiovascular endurance, you can increase the length of your cardio exercise sessions. Increase the number of repetitions only after you’ve spent a few weeks mastering an exercise. While strength training, for example, you can do a higher number of reps with a lower weight. In order to increase endurance, you need to increase the length of your workouts. You should also take 1 or 2 days off in between lifting to give your body time to recover. If you’re doing multiple sets, give yourself plenty of time to rest in between. When you’re ready to lift heavier, look for a weight that you can lift for about 10 repetitions - but the last 2 or 3 reps should be a challenge. You should also master the exercise and make sure you have good form before you move up in weight.

You should be comfortable lifting a weight for 10–12 repetitions before you move on to a heavier weight. One way to do this is to lift heavier, which means increasing the weight you’re lifting. Increase resistanceĪdding additional stress to your muscles allows them to break down, rebuild, and get stronger. Researchers found progressive overload - gradually increasing the weight and number of repetitions of exercises - to be effective for increasing bicep strength and muscle growth in both men and women.Ĥ ways to progressively overload 1.
#FITNESS PRINCIPLE OF OVERLOAD SERIES#
The researchers observed 83 people over a period of 12 weeks as they performed a series of arm strengthening exercises. Or maybe you’d stick to 10 reps but increase the weight you’re using instead.Ī 2011 study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology tested a progressive overload regimen. Then, the next month, you’d perform 12 reps of the exercise. By changing or progressing in your workouts, you’ll keep your muscles challenged and you’ll get stronger.įor example, in the first month of strength training, you might perform 10 repetitions at one weight. Progressive overload benefits your training because you’ll avoid a plateau. While a plateau can be seen as a positive sign that means you’ve made some gains in your fitness journey, it also signals that it’s time to mix things up. You may be able to easily lift weight that once was challenging, and you likely don’t notice any soreness - or any progress being made. How does progressive overload benefit training?ĭoing the same workouts over and over or using the same amount of weight every time you strength train can lead to your body plateauing.
