What does the term "progressive overload" refer to in fitness?

Progressive overload is a fundamental concept in strength training and fitness that refers to the practice of regularly increasing the demands placed on the body during exercise. This incremental increase can involve adding more weight, increasing the number of repetitions or sets, extending workout duration, or modifying exercise intensity. The goal of this approach is to stimulate physiological adaptations, such as improved strength, endurance, and overall physical performance.

As the body adapts to a certain level of stress from exercise, continuing the same workout regimen without increasing the load or intensity can lead to a plateau in progress. By consistently applying progressive overload, individuals help ensure ongoing improvements in their fitness levels, which is critical for achieving long-term goals.

The other options provided do not encapsulate the essence of progressive overload. Consistently training at a load without variation does not promote adaptation, and while resting more can be an important part of a training plan, it is not directly related to the concept of overload. Similarly, reducing exercise intensity, while beneficial in certain contexts to prevent injury, does not align with the principle of enhancing fitness adaptations.