Saturday, February 12, 2011

Overload



Definition: A strength training principle which states that the intensity of exercise must be high enough above normal for physiological adaptation to occur. In other words, if you want to see results when lifting weights, you have to lift more than your muscles can handle. That overload will cause the muscle fibers to grow stronger and sometimes, bigger in order to handle the extra load. 

The Principle of Overload: The principle of overload states that a greater than normal stress/ load on the body is required for training adaptation to take place. The body will adapt to this stimulus. Once the body has adapted then a different stimulus is required to continue the change. In order for a muscle (including the heart) to increase strength, it must be gradually stressed by working against a load greater than it is used to. To increase endurance, muscles must work for a longer period of time than they are used to. If this stress is removed or decreased there will be a decrease in that particular component of fitness. A normal amount of exercise will maintain the current fitness level. 

Now, there is two kind of stress involve in overloading the muscle or towards the body. 
  1. Distress (negative stress)
  2. Eustress (positive stress)
By performing a regular exercise/training, we are overloading our body with stress correct? "Of course

Regular training or continuously training may be beneficial to our health but there is always a limit because by performing continuous training from day to day without resting will increase the stress level that is opposite of beneficial. I always stress to everyone that "more does not always means better". Eustress/ positive stress from training will always push us forward but with continuous training without resting and lack of nutrition will stop us from moving forward instead whats will happen is "over training".

Building or achieving the physique that we want takes time as what I did mention is SMART goal. Never try to beat the nature, always ask yourself and understand your body. You should understand your physique not others. Your colleague/ friends/ coach/ parents are there just to support and giving guideline but they do not own your body. Example your parents don't tell you when to s@#t. You know when to s*#t. What I'm trying to say here is, when someone tells you that training 5 times a week suitable for you or consuming protein A is better from protein B than he is just playing smart over you.
It is true to train 5 to 6 times a week for building a great physique but what if you are totally fatigue from head to toe. Should you go for the sake of completing it as part of a routine or would you just rest at home and train another day ? 

As for the supplement, the person that attend you or the product specialist may know what they suggest to you but than again remember to tell them that what your goals are, what you can and cannot consume in terms of intolerance towards caffeine, lactose, gluten and etc. 

Conclusion : I hope from today onwards, you (my readers) will look in the mirror and ask yourself. Is the person that tells you what to do or train or eat best suited for you or he is just playing smart. You own your body so best to listen and understand them yourself. It is not wrong to follow what others tell you because we become better with every mistake that occur. Best to get consultation from a qualified nutritionist or personal trainer or equivalent.

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