The type of training most commonly used to promote muscle fitness is referred to as progressive resistance exercise (PRE), or progressive resistance training (PRT). This name is used because the frequency, intensity, and length of time for muscle overload can be progressively increased as muscle fitness increases.

Progressive resistance exercises are typically done in one to three sets of three 25 repetitions (also called reps). A set is a group of reps that are done in succession followed by a rest period.

Progressive resistance exercise is a method of training to build muscle fitness that provides health and performance benefits. It should not be confused with the following three competitive activities such as

• Weightlifting
• Powerlifting
• Bodybuilding

Weightlifting:

Weightlifting is a competitive sport that involves two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The single movement lift from floor to extended position is the snatch. The two movement lift from floor to shoulder position, and from shoulders to extended position is the clean and jerk.

Powerlifting:

Powerlifting is also a competitive sport that includes three lifts: the bench press, the squat, and the deadlift. In powerlifting, missed lifts cannot be easily tolerated as it is possible to save many lifts with a little more elbow or knee grease.

Bodybuilding:

Bodybuilding is competition in which participants are judged on the size and definition of their muscles. The focus on bodybuilding is a specific aesthetic and balance of muscle mass but not the strength of agility.

All these competitive events rely on progression resistance exercise to improve performance. Weight training is a form of PRE and is a method of improving muscle fitness that is different of weight lifting, the competitive event.