Progressive Overload: The Fuel That Drives Muscle Gains

What is the progression?

Progression, also called progressive overload, is the addition of weight over time. The progression begins at the set level, with the addition of reps. Eventually, when we are capable of performing a quality number of reps per set, we add weight to make the set more challenging once again.

Progressive overload is the fuel that drives muscle gains. Without progression or the addition of weight over time, you won't see much in the way of progress.

While the muscle building process does not require you to train for absolute strength, it does require you to dramatically improve your strength above and beyond where it is now.

Remember this truth: no one with a substantial amount of muscle mass is weak. Progression schemes won't matter much how you progress, as long as you progress. So pick a set and rep scheme that appeals to you.

For compound exercises, it is best to stick with the 5-12 rep range the majority of the time. For isolation exercises, and some machine and cable exercises, you will find that the 8-15 rep range is a better fit.

Certain leg exercises such as leg press and squats can work well with higher rep schemes. If you do add in 15 or 20 rep sets of squats, it will be in your best interest to decrease the volume of sets a bit.

Leg presses, on the other hand, aren't as taxing. If you bump your leg press reps up to 15-20 per set, you can keep the same number of sets.

Please note that you can use different progression schemes for different exercises. It is not necessary to pick only one progression scheme for compound exercises, and one for isolation exercises.

With that said, be careful about over-complicating things.

On a final note, remember that rep ranges are guidelines. It's OK to go a little higher or normal, based on how your body is performing on any given day with a weight.

Just because a set calls for 8-12 reps doesn't mean you should stop at 12 if you are capable of doing more. On the same note, if you only hit 6 reps, it's not the end of the world. Remember, improvement (progression) is the magic, not specific rep ranges. Regardless of what reps you hit per set, try to improve the next time you work out.

Progression Approach #1 - Standard 8-12 Progression

• 3x4 sets x 8-12 reps

There are 2 ways you can approach progression when working with the 8-12 rep range.

8x12 Method #1 - Stick with the same weight for each of the sets. When you reach 12 or more reps for your first set, add weight to this exercise the next time you hit the gym.

Your third set may dip below 8 reps. That's ok. Remember progression is more important than rep ranges.

8x12 Method #2  When you struggle to hit over 8 reps on a set, drop the next set's weight by 10%. So for example, Let's say you're using 185 pounds on the bench press and your first 2 sets look like this:

• Set 1 185 pounds x 11 reps
• Set 2 185 pounds x 8 reps

For the third set, you decide to drop the weight by (about) 10% and go 165 pounds. This set may look something like this:

• Set 3 165 pounds x 12 reps

When you are able to reach 12 reps for set one, using your top weight, add the same amount of weight to set 3.

Progression Approach #2 - Standard 6-10 Progression

• 3x4 sets x 6-10 reps

This scheme functions just like the 8-12 rep progression approach. You can choose to either use the same weight for each of the sets or drop the weight 10% when you are struggling to hit 6 total reps.

Progression Approach #3 - Standard 8-15 Progression

• 3x4 sets x 8-15 reps

Another progression approach that functions in the same way as the 8-12 rep scheme. 8-15 reps is a great choice for isolation exercises, as well as cable and machine lifts. You can also use this approach for squats and deadlifts.

When you are able to perform 15 reps for your top set, add weight the next time you use this exercise.

Progression Approach #4 - 5x5 Progression

• 5 sets x 5 reps

5x5 schemes are extremely popular and have been for many decades. They are perfect for the heaviest of compound exercises: squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press and barbell rows.

Your 5 sets will be performed as follows:

• Set 1 60% x 5 reps
• Set 2 80% x 5 reps
• Set 3 100% x 5 reps
• Set 4 100% x 5 reps
• Set 5 100% x 5 reps

Your last 3 sets are your money sets. When you are able to perform 5 reps on your last set without grinding it out, and with good form, add 5 pounds the next time you perform this lift.

The weight you use for sets 1 and 2 are percentages, based on your set 3-5 weight. This means that if you are using 200 pounds for your last 3 sets, your 5 set scheme would look like this:

• Set 1 120 pounds x 5 reps
• Set 2 160 pounds x 5 reps
• Set 3 200 pounds x 5 reps
• Set 4 200 pounds x 5 reps
• Set 5 200 pounds x 5 reps

Progression Approach #5 - Decreasing Weight Progression

• 3-4 sets starting at 6-8 reps

Note: You may also use the 4-6 rep range for your first set.

Start with a weight that allows 6 reps. For set two, drop the weight 5-10% and perform as many reps as possible. Drop another 5-10% for sets 3 (and 4, if you are using 4 sets).

When you are able to perform 8 or more reps for set one, add weight to each of the sets.

For example, let's say you are using 200 pounds on the bench press and are able to perform 8 reps for your first set:

• Set 1 200 pounds x 8 reps
• Set 2 180 pounds x 10 reps
• Set 3 160 pounds x 12 reps

Because you reached 8 reps for your first set, you will add 5 pounds to each of your sets the next time you bench.

• Set 1 205 pounds x max reps
• Set 2 185 pounds x max reps
• Set 3 165 pounds x max reps

Progression Approach #6 - Increasing Weight Progression

• 3-4 sets starting at 12-15 reps

Start with a weight that allows 12 reps. For set two, increase the weight 5-10% and perform as many reps as possible. Add another 5-10% for set 3 (and 4, if you are using 4 sets).

When you are able to perform 15 or more reps for set one, add weight to each of the sets.

For example, let's say you are using 150 pounds on the bench press and are able to perform 15 reps for your first set:

• Set 1 150 pounds x 15 reps
• Set 2 165 pounds x 11 reps
• Set 3 180 pounds x 7 reps

Because you reached 15 reps for your first set, you will add 5 pounds to each of your sets the next time you bench.

• Set 1 156 pounds x max reps
• Set 2 170 pounds x max reps
• Set 3 185 pounds x max reps