Final answer:
Progression and variation both highlight the need for changes in a fitness routine to achieve consistent gains. While progression involves increasing exercise intensity or volume over time, variation focuses on changing workout components to maintain challenge and interest. Individual variability influences the outcomes of a uniform fitness program.
Step-by-step explanation:
How are progression and variation similar? The correct answer to this comparison is that both state that changes in a routine are necessary for consistent gains. Progression and variation are fundamental aspects of exercise programs to ensure continuous improvement and prevent performance plateaus. Progression refers to the gradual increase in the intensity, duration, frequency, or type of exercise as an individual becomes fitter. In contrast, variation emphasizes altering exercises, the intensity of exercises, or other components to keep the workout challenging and engaging.
Regarding the provided scenario, the differences in outcomes regarding the amount of weight lost may be attributed to individual variability. This takes into account various factors such as genetics, diet, metabolism, and overall lifestyle, which will influence how each person's body responds to the same workout program.
An example of a pattern of physical exercise that incorporates both progression and variation is one that involves short periods of vigorous muscular work and longer periods of medium (and varied) muscular work. This could mean mixing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with steady-state cardio across different sessions or within the same workout.