The way to get stronger and make muscles bigger is to apply progressive overload. This means making each type of lift on successive workout sessions just a bit harder than it was last time. This can be done in a number of ways:
- increasing reps in the set
- increasing sets (less common)
- increasing weight
- decreasing rest time
Those are the "main" methods, but Jeff Nippard suggests a few other methods, too.
- changing [[Lifting Tempo]]
- focus on a full range of motion
- increasing mind-muscle connection
# Example
A relatively "clean" example of progressive overload just using increasing rep counts first, then increasing weight.
![[Pasted image 20250215142234.png]]
In practice, (at least in my experience) this is hardly ever this neat and tidy.
# [[Target Confusion]]
All of the options available give you a lot of levers you can throw if things aren't working, but this also leads to some [[Analysis Paralysis]], compounded by the relatively long [[Feedback Loop]] between "trying a given method of progressive overload" and "seeing results or _lack_ of results." This is where programs like the [[Workout - GZCLP Method]] shine, wherein they include discrete protocols for handling failure & maintaining progressive overload over long time periods.
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# See Also
## Source
- [Jeff Nippard video](https://youtu.be/71op1DQ2gyo?si=a5o7uCaQSqX6taM1)
- [[Simple Science Fitness]]
## Related
- [[Ideal Exercise Regiment]]
- [[Workout - Stronglifts 5x5]]
- [[Workout - Starting Strength]]
- [[Big 6 Exercises]]
- [[Muscle Growth Factors]]