What is progressive overload best defined as?

Progressive overload is best understood as the systematic approach to increasing the demands on the body to stimulate improvements in strength, endurance, and overall performance. This principle ensures that as the body adapts to the current workload, the training intensity, duration, or volume is increased in a structured manner. By doing this, athletes and individuals can consistently push their boundaries and achieve greater physical capabilities over time.

The reason that this definition is the most accurate is that it emphasizes the planned and intentional increase in training load rather than random changes. This systematic application helps track progress and ensures safety, preventing injuries that might occur from unplanned increases in intensity. It also creates a clear pathway for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to follow in their training regimens, allowing for structured improvements. The other options do not encapsulate the essence of what progressive overload involves.