As complicated as the fitness industry can be, there’s one thing everyone agrees on, the simple but powerful idea of progressive overload. If you want to see progress, you need to continuously challenge your body in new ways. You have to do slightly more every workout than you did last time. This could be more reps, sets, or achieving a higher intensity with heavier weights. By gradually increasing the demands placed on your body, you can continue to get fitter and stronger.
It’s easy to understand the application of progressive overload in the gym, but it can also work wonders in many other areas of our lives. Here are some ways you can apply this powerful principle:
- Boost your focus: Are you constantly getting distracted at work or while trying to complete a task? Challenge yourself to do 15 minutes of focused work and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. This can lead to increased productivity and better time management skills.
- Become a bookworm: Want to improve your reading habits and become more well-read? Start with a small daily goal of reading a page or two and gradually increase the amount as you become more comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll be tackling whole chapters every day.
- Sharpen your writing skills: Set a small daily goal for writing, such as a paragraph or two, and gradually increase the amount as the habit becomes automatic. This can help improve your writing skills and confidence in your abilities.
So, the next time you’re feeling stuck in your fitness routine or looking for ways to improve yourself, remember the power of progressive overload. By gradually increasing the demands placed on your body or mind, you can continue to see progress and improvement over time. The most important thing to remember is to always challenge yourself!
