I'm confused gaining muscle, deficits...what?!

waldo56

Since I'm just starting out will I eventually bottom out in terms of strength? Let's say I can do 50 push ups. Will I not be able to do, say, 100 push ups if I do not start eating with a caloric surplus?

For example, my grandfather practices yoga. He has for many, many years, long before it became fashionable. He can plank for God knows how long. He's a small man, and a touch on the sinewy side. My brother on the other hand, is muscular; as in weight lifting muscular. His muscles are MUCH larger than my grandfather's, but cannot stay in the plank position for no more than a minute or two.

My brother has larger muscles, so why can't he plank (and a bunch of other stuff) like my grandfather?

Is there a difference between a strong muscle and a large muscle? I'd prefer a strong muscle.

The principle of specificity always applies. You get good at what you practice.

Strength and endurance are two entirely different facets. Once you've got the base of strength to plank a minute or so, it really does not matter in the least bit if you get stronger, it doesn't help you one bit to plank longer. What you need is endurance specifically at planking, and you get that by planking for a long time.

I can do 10 dragon flags and can hold a PB L-sit about 45 seconds (both of which are significantly harder ab exercises than planking). I don't think I can hold a plank any longer than about 2 minutes, I can't stand doing it and don't practice long plank hold times. If all you do is plank, even if you can hold it 10 minutes, you probably aren't strong enough to do double digit dragon flags or hold a long L-sit.