Confused about progress, or lack of
maruby95
Posts: 204 Member
I attempted my first bulk last winter, followed by a small cut, and have just been continuing to lift and eat at about maintenance since March. Planning to try another bulk in the fall…
The other day, I finished up the notebook I use to keep track of my lifts. I started flipping back through it just out of curiosity and was very surprised to see my progress over the past year. I've been lifting for 2-3 years but never really feel like I'm getting anywhere. I mean, I enjoy the process, but I can't ever really appreciate any real difference in my body or (I thought) strength.
But I found that my bench press has increased from 16kg max reps (with a spotter!) to 35 kg for reps in a year
. And my deadilft has gone from 36 kg or reps to 65 kg for reps (not bad for my 48 kg self . Squat and OHP have progressed as well, but not as dramatically.
Anyway- increased strength is good. No doubt. But my measurements have remained the same for the past 2 years. I gained about 1 in. in my waist when I bulked, but then went back to normal as soon as I started to cut. All my other measurements stay exactly the same, and my weight has fluctuated with the same 5-ish pound window the whole time. My %BF always comes up between 19-20% (by tape measure)
Is this normal? Shouldn't I see more 'changes' over time, especially considering my bulk (which I recognize wasn't aggressive enough). It seems like something should change- BF% at least?! That's my goal: to increase LBM so I can be leaner and stronger. I would love to see some measurable physical change (I can't see a difference in the mirror, but it's possible it's just been slow) as an encouragement. Or am I doing something wrong? Maybe not lifting heavy enough yet to really see change? I know to gain muscle, I need to eat more (and I did that for months!), so I'm not expecting gains on maintenance. But at least some re-comp over 2 years?!
Thoughts? Suggestions? Feeling like I'm spinning my wheels….
The other day, I finished up the notebook I use to keep track of my lifts. I started flipping back through it just out of curiosity and was very surprised to see my progress over the past year. I've been lifting for 2-3 years but never really feel like I'm getting anywhere. I mean, I enjoy the process, but I can't ever really appreciate any real difference in my body or (I thought) strength.
But I found that my bench press has increased from 16kg max reps (with a spotter!) to 35 kg for reps in a year
. And my deadilft has gone from 36 kg or reps to 65 kg for reps (not bad for my 48 kg self . Squat and OHP have progressed as well, but not as dramatically.Anyway- increased strength is good. No doubt. But my measurements have remained the same for the past 2 years. I gained about 1 in. in my waist when I bulked, but then went back to normal as soon as I started to cut. All my other measurements stay exactly the same, and my weight has fluctuated with the same 5-ish pound window the whole time. My %BF always comes up between 19-20% (by tape measure)
Is this normal? Shouldn't I see more 'changes' over time, especially considering my bulk (which I recognize wasn't aggressive enough). It seems like something should change- BF% at least?! That's my goal: to increase LBM so I can be leaner and stronger. I would love to see some measurable physical change (I can't see a difference in the mirror, but it's possible it's just been slow) as an encouragement. Or am I doing something wrong? Maybe not lifting heavy enough yet to really see change? I know to gain muscle, I need to eat more (and I did that for months!), so I'm not expecting gains on maintenance. But at least some re-comp over 2 years?!
Thoughts? Suggestions? Feeling like I'm spinning my wheels….
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Replies
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I don't really have any advice as I am in exactly the same position as you and I am equally as frustrated. I hope we both get some answers. Good luck. Sorry I can't help.0
