The 10% Rule

Most of us want to either maintain or increase our fitness level.  Barring time constraints or injury, we strive to do this, some of us on a daily basis.  Usually, this works fine.  Our heart and lungs can usually sustain the increased workload.  When there is a physical limitation, it is usually the musculoskeletal system, not the heart or lungs.  If it is the heart or lungs, that is the topic of another day.  With regard to the musculoskeletal system, the signs and symptoms are aches and pains, and the need to back off or slow down.  This is where the 10% rule comes in.  If you are increasing your physical workload, the body will be much more willing to accomodate it if the increase is at a level of 10%(or less) increase over the previous week.  Keep that in mind when you are increasing your training workload, or recovering from an injury!