# Progressive overload

Progressive overload is gradually increasing the demand of training (reps, load, sets or difficulty) so the body keeps adapting.

It is the core principle of strength and fitness training. Add a rep, a little load, a set or a harder variation once the current level feels manageable. Small, regular increases work better than big jumps, which raise injury risk.

Related: [One-rep max](https://revns.com/dictionary/one-rep-max.md), [RPE](https://revns.com/dictionary/rpe.md), [Deload](https://revns.com/dictionary/deload.md), [Hypertrophy](https://revns.com/dictionary/hypertrophy.md)

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