According to the principle of overload, how should physical activity be adjusted to achieve improvement?

The principle of overload states that for physical improvements to occur, the intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise must be increased beyond the typical levels the body is accustomed to. This adjustment compels the body to adapt in order to handle the increased demands, leading to improved strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels.

Increasing intensity and duration is a fundamental way to implement the overload principle. For example, raising the weight lifted, increasing the speed of running, or extending the duration of a workout session effectively pushes the body to respond and adapt. This can involve escalating the difficulty of the exercises or increasing the total work done during a workout.

Other approaches, such as keeping the activity constant or reducing frequency, do not align with the overload principle since they do not provide the body with the necessary stimulus to improve. Focusing solely on flexibility may enhance that specific area of fitness, but it does not broadly address the increases needed in intensity or duration to induce overall improvement in fitness levels.

In summary, adjusting physical activity by increasing intensity and duration effectively applies the overload principle, facilitating the physiological adaptations necessary for progress.