1: Overload – This is the phase we are used to, where the load is right up against the limit of our capabilities. We finish all the sets, but barely.
2: Load – This is when the load starts to feel comfortable. Still hard, but no doubt in our minds that we will finish. This is when we usually think we are ready to add more weight.
3: Underload – This is the final phase, when we’ve stuck with the same weights, reps, and sets long enough that it just doesn’t feel like we’re working that hard or getting much out of it anymore. This is the phase that lets your body recover and prepares us to repeat the process all over again.
American’s are really good at phase 1.
Some of us are patient enough to get to phase 2.
Most of us skip phase 3, the most important phase of all.
The Daily Nugget 