Can't gain muscle on deficit..

datsundriver87
datsundriver87 Posts: 186 Member
edited November 30 in Fitness and Exercise
So I understand the logic behind this, I understand that you have to be in an anabolic state to build muscle, but what exactly are strength gains on a deficit than? Are you just making your muscles more dense or is it just a muscle adaption to higher weight? The reason I ask is I've been eating basically at Maintence since November, scale has stayed the same, haven't seen big changes physically, but the amount of weight I am able to move has gone up SUBSTANTIALLY. I have been cutting for about two weeks at 500 calories a day off Maintence and still seeing strength gains which was unexpected.

Replies

  • CodyQuinlan
    CodyQuinlan Posts: 38 Member
    Biologically speaking it is two things a change in muscle composition for example your muscles will lose mitochondria density and SR density but increase myofibrils which are responsible for force generation this way your muscles generate more force at the cost of endurance and contraction speed while your muscles can stay relatively the same size. Additionally you are training the strength of the CNS stimulation for the muscle contraction.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    All of this ^^^

    Plus, improving technique increases the amount you can lift without increasing strength. But it's mostly the above.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    short story- muscle gains =/= strength gains.

    at some point those two WILL become dependent- but they aren't 100% directly coupled to each other all the time.

    So yes- you can get stronger without getting bigger. after some time- this will stop. Then it's bulking season ;)
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