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UsedToBeHusky
UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,227 Member
edited February 4 in Social Groups
Can a lack of protein slow progress in strength gains?

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  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    well yes in theory in the sense that protein can increase strength gains...so if you don't eat it, you don't gain as much...hence slowed...

    but if you are asking if you can lose existing strength gains based on a lack of protein (turn the clock back) i wouldn't know...
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,227 Member
    well yes in theory in the sense that protein can increase strength gains...so if you don't eat it, you don't gain as much...hence slowed...

    but if you are asking if you can lose existing strength gains based on a lack of protein (turn the clock back) i wouldn't know...

    Well... I stopped lifting awhile back because I wasn't making any strength gains. I'm beginning to wonder if I just needed to up my protein intake.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,227 Member
    Should I be increasing my protein intake as I gain strength over time, the same way that calorie intake has to decrease as I lose?
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Sorry - missed this one, so tagging.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,736 Member
    well yes in theory in the sense that protein can increase strength gains...so if you don't eat it, you don't gain as much...hence slowed...

    but if you are asking if you can lose existing strength gains based on a lack of protein (turn the clock back) i wouldn't know...

    Well... I stopped lifting awhile back because I wasn't making any strength gains. I'm beginning to wonder if I just needed to up my protein intake.
    After strength gains peak, you need a caloric excess to improve, generally speaking. Hard to gain strength when the body is being deprived.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Should I be increasing my protein intake as I gain strength over time, the same way that calorie intake has to decrease as I lose?

    No. Protein isn't directly related to strength gains.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    well yes in theory in the sense that protein can increase strength gains...so if you don't eat it, you don't gain as much...hence slowed...

    but if you are asking if you can lose existing strength gains based on a lack of protein (turn the clock back) i wouldn't know...

    Well... I stopped lifting awhile back because I wasn't making any strength gains. I'm beginning to wonder if I just needed to up my protein intake.

    What was your programming? Were you at a deficit?
  • Phoenix_Warrior
    Phoenix_Warrior Posts: 1,633 Member
    Tagging. I've stalled in strength gains as well, but my assumption is because I am currently eating at s deficit. Curious about the answer!! ;)
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    Not gaining strength could be for a number of various reasons but I'd be looking at:

    Programming, technique, calorie and nutrient intake, nutrient timing (to increase performance), rest, sleep, etc.

    I would recommend resistance training of some sort regardless of what your current strength levels are and regardless of whether or not you are getting stronger. It's still providing you with a great deal of benefits even if your strength were to "cap out".
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    Additionally, for perspective sake, I still make some strength gains in some lifts during a cut. I think training experience and leanness are probably large variables in this, but I would expect most beginning to intermediate level lifters who are on a reasonable deficit to make strength gains for quite a while. And I think this is less likely as you get stronger and stronger because it becomes harder to make progress at that point.
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