Training Principles: Progressive Overload Principle The overload principle is that a greater than normal load is required for training adaptation to occur. The body will adapt to this stimulus. Once the body has adapted, a different or greater stimulus is needed to continue the change. Overload can be achieved using the acronym FITT: Frequency: How often you train. After exercise in any form, the body completes a process of rebuilding and repair, and by determining the frequency of exercise, a balance can be found that provides stress and also allows sufficient rest time for repair. Intensity: The amount of effort put into a specific exercise or workout. This requires a balance to ensure that the intensity is hard enough to overtax the body but not so grueling that it causes injury, overtraining, or burnout. Time: Time is simply how long each session lasts, which will change based on the intensity and type of session. Type: The type of exercise you are doing, could be based on aerobic capacity or increased anaerobic threshold. ...