The principle of overload implies that there must be a training stimulus provided that exceeds the current capabilities of the kinetic chain to elicit the optimal physical, physiological and performance adaptations.
The overload can occur through a variety of manipulations to the acute variables:
1. Volume (repetitions, sets)
2. Contraction Velocity
3. Muscle Action
4. Rest Interval
5. Training Frequency
6. Plane of Motion
7. Exercise Selection
8. Exercise Order
9. Neural Demand
For hypertrophy, it is important to systematically induce adaptations that follow the physiology of the body.
Providing endurance and strength of the stabilizing systems in the body as well as proper flexibility prior to initiating a more aggressive hypertrophy program.
Minimizing reciprocal and arthrokinetic inhibition will allow for maximal recruitment of muscle fibers and this is the only way to creating optimum morphological change.