What Is Overloading?

My workout

Published on 24 March 2021
by Jean-Denis Thomson

The aim of gym training is to improve various physical qualities to achieve a set goal. Putting an additional strain on the body creates a positive adaptation to training. Overload can be cardiovascular, muscular, physiological or neuromuscular. 

 

The idea is to have a structured and organized plan for increasing your training load in each of your workouts. In other words, you need to do a little more each training session. Don’t forget to consider taking short training breaks to let your body recover.   

 

Examples of overloading: 

  • Lifting 2 kg more on the bench press
  • Doing 3 extra reps on the rowing machine
  • Riding 1 km more on the stationary bike
  • Completing a run 30 seconds faster

 

Overloading goes hand in hand with improved results when training. When there is overload, there is always progression. Read up on the various types of periodization training, which organize workout intensity and volume to manage overload.   

 

The takeaway—overloading is essential to achieving your training goal.  

 

Have a great workout!

 

 

Jean-Denis Thomson
Kinesiologist, Training Department Director