How does overload principle contribute to muscle development?

The overload principle is fundamental to muscle development because it states that for muscles to grow and strengthen, they must be subjected to greater stress than they are accustomed to. This involves the systematic and gradual increase of resistance or load during workouts. As individuals continuously adapt to a certain level of resistance, simply maintaining that same level (as suggested in other choices) will not promote further muscle growth.

When resistance is progressively increased, the muscles are forced to adapt to the new levels of stress, leading to physiological changes such as increased muscle fiber size (hypertrophy) and improved strength. This concept encourages progression in training, which is vital for continual improvement in fitness. By incorporating this principle into a workout regimen, individuals can effectively enhance their muscle development and overall performance over time.