Erica Nunn • May 14, 2025
Progressive Overload: A Woman’s Guide to Building Lean Muscle
Progressive overload is a foundational principle in strength training that involves gradually
increasing the demands placed on your muscles over time. This constant challenge forces
your body to adapt—by getting stronger, building lean muscle, and improving endurance.
Without progressive overload, your body will plateau. That’s why doing the same weight,
reps, or routine week after week eventually stops producing results.
Why It Matters for Women
Many women worry that increasing weights will make them bulky—but that’s a myth. Due
to hormonal differences (especially lower testosterone), women tend to develop lean, toned
muscle, not bulk. Progressive overload is essential for:
- Sculpting lean curves
- Boosting metabolism
- Reducing body fat
- Improving confidence and strength
How to Implement Progressive Overload
1. Increase Weight
When an exercise feels easier or you can perform extra reps with good form, it’s time to
slightly increase the weight (5–10%).
2. Increase Reps or Sets
If you’re lifting the same weight, try adding 1–2 more reps per set or an additional set to
increase total volume.
3. Improve Form or Range of Motion
Progress isn't just about heavier weights. Slowing your tempo, going deeper into a
squat, or improving mind-muscle connection enhances the challenge.
4. Add Time Under Tension
Slow down your reps (especially the lowering phase) to make the muscles work harder
without changing the weight.
5. Reduce Rest Periods
Shorter breaks between sets increase intensity and can support muscle-building and
fat-loss goals.
Example Progression for a Glute Exercise
- Week 1: Hip Thrust – 3 sets x 12 reps @ 65 lbs
- Week 2: 3 sets x 15 reps @ 65 lbs
- Week 3: 4 sets x 12 reps @ 70 lbs
- Week 4: 4 sets x 15 reps @ 70 lbs (add pause at top)
Tips for Staying Consistent
- Track your workouts in a journal or app
- Stick to a structured program (like one from Break the Core Fitness)
- Focus on progress, not perfection—small changes each week lead
Let's get real: most women don't fail because they're lazy or unmotivated. They fail because their plan never fit their lifestyle in the first place. That's why every 1:1 coaching plan I build is customized, sustainable, and built around your reality - not some unrealistic cookie-cutter plan. Here's exactly how I structure things when we work together: 1. Deep Dive Intake: Your Story, Your Struggles, Your Strengths Your current routine, goals, and limitations Your relationship with food, fitness, and your body What's worked (or failed) in the past Where you need support most - physically, emotionally, mentally 2. Custom Nutrition Guidance (No Starvation Here) Your personalized macro targets (based on your goals) A simple, flexible eating framework using mostly whole foods Support for intermittent fasting (if it aligns with your routine) Easy meal prep ideas that don't require hours in the kitchen 3. Training That Matches Your Energy & Time A structured weekly workout plan tailored to your level, goals, and schedule Focus on progressive overload (so you keep seeing results) At-home or gym options (bands, dumbbells, or full gym -- we adapt) Strength + cardio built to fit YOUR body, YOUR goals 4. Mindset + Accountability = Real Change Weekly mindset prompts to stay connected to your "why" Coaching through setbacks (because they're normal) Messaging access for quick wins, questions, and support Encouragement to keep promises to yourself - that's where confidence grows 5. Clarity, Structure, Simplicity Workouts Macro tracker support Recipes Weekly focus & reflection Final Thought My job isn't to tell you to be perfect. It's to help you become the version of yourself who shows up consistently, eats like she loves herself, moves her body with power, and leads her life on purpose. If you're ready to ditch the chaos, ditch the guessing, and finally follow a plan that fits - my 1:1 coaching is where it all starts. Apply here or DM me 'READY' and let's build your plan together.
Let’s be honest—life rarely slows down. Between work, kids, errands, and surprise chaos (hello, sick days or forgotten field trips), it can feel impossible to stay consistent with your health and fitness goals. But here’s the truth: you don’t need more motivation—you need a system that works when life doesn’t. If you’re a busy woman trying to juggle it all, this one’s for you. Habit Stacking: Make Fitness Automatic One of the easiest ways to stay consistent is through habit stacking—pairing a new habit with one you already do every day. ✅ Example: After you make your morning coffee, do 10 squats or a 1-minute plank. ✅ Example: After brushing your teeth at night, stretch for 5 minutes or lay out your workout clothes. Small actions linked to existing habits = powerful results over time. ⏰ Morning Prep = Fewer Excuses Later Mornings can make or break your day. Setting up your environment the night before reduces decision fatigue and excuses. Try these: - Set out your workout clothes and shoes - Prep your water bottle + breakfast - Write down your top 3 goals for the day (fitness-related or not) When you prep the night before, you win the morning. Realistic Scheduling Wins Every Time Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for doable. You don’t need a 90-minute gym session to make progress. If your week is packed, here’s how to stay on track: - 3 strength workouts (20–30 mins each) - 2 short walks or mobility sessions - 1 stretch or journal session to reset Even 15 minutes counts. Something is always better than nothing. Download Your Free Weekly Fitness Planner Want to make this easier on yourself? I created a simple Weekly Fitness Planner just for you. ✅ Plan your workouts ✅ Track water, meals, and mindset ✅ Stay consistent even when life gets wild [ Download it here ] Final Thought You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep showing up. Your consistency—especially on the hard days—is what builds the results you’re craving. You’ve got this. And if you ever need support, the Break the Core community is here for youevery step of the way.
Protein is essential for every woman — whether you're trying to build muscle, lose fat, Improve energy, or support your hormones. Here's why it should be a top priority in your daily nutrition: 1. Muscle Maintenance & Fat Loss Protein helps preserve lean muscle, especially when you're in a fat loss phase. More muscle means a higher metabolism, which burns more calories at rest. Plus, protein helps you feel full longer, curbing cravings and late-night snacking. 2. Hormonal Balance Hormones are made from amino acids — the building blocks of protein. Low protein intake can negatively affect menstrual cycles, mood, and energy levels. 3. Hair, Skin, Nails & Bone Health Protein plays a key role in producing collagen (for skin), keratin (for hair and nails), and maintaining strong bones — especially important as women age. 4. Recovery & Strength After workouts, your muscles need protein to repair and rebuild. This speeds up recovery and helps you get stronger over time. 5. Appetite Control Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. Eating enough protein keeps you fuller longer and reduces the urge to overeat. How Much Protein Do You Need? Active women should aim for 0.8–1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Example: If you weigh 150 lbs, a goal of 120–150g of protein per day is ideal.