Which of the following best summarizes the effect of progressive overload on muscular performance?

• A. It reduces posture
• B. It damages ligaments
• C. It increases muscle strength, endurance, and power
• D. It decreases tendon strength

Answer: (C)

Progressive overload is the gradual increase in training demands placed on muscles to provoke adaptation. Because the muscles must work harder than they’re used to, they adapt by getting stronger, building endurance, and improving how quickly they can generate force. Over time this means greater muscle strength, better endurance in repeated efforts, and the ability to produce force more rapidly—i.e., more power. This is the typical outcome of proper progressive overload. It doesn’t aim to reduce posture, and with appropriate loading it helps strengthen the tissues around joints, not damage them, so it doesn’t decrease tendon or ligament strength.