Progressive overload

The last post, even though it was a joke, exemplifies one of the essential principles of building muscle. That is, progressive overload. In other words you have to progressively increase the resistance to the muscle effort if the muscle is to get stronger.

Building up slowly is also the best way to avoid soreness. Eventually you get to the point where you can take your muscle to the point of failure, where it cannot take the load any more. The muscle actually experiences microscopic injury from the exercise so over the ensuing few days as it recovers it repairs itself to a stronger state than it was.

Anyway, happy Easter whatever your religious persuasion. Stay safe and don't eat too much chocolate (unless of course it's the dark variety which is supposed to be good for you).