Too Big?

whodat · 01-08-2005, 09:20 PM

This question will not apply to a lot of people on this site, but is it possible to get too big?

I lift to improve my athletic performance, and over the past two years I have gained about 15 pounds while keeping my bodyfat relatively low at 9-11%.

I would like to continue lifting, but I do not want to add any more size. Besides keeping my calories in check, is there anything else I can do to continue to hit the weights while maintaining (and not increasing) my current size?

Rev · 01-08-2005, 11:16 PM

Calories is what it is all about as far as size decrease or increase. If I were in your shoes (which would be awesome, im 20lbs too lite), I would continue to build strength and power and start focusing my training on that if you don't already and I would drop the repetition work off at the door side...again I have no idea what your routine looks like but that is what I would do. Max effort combine with dynamic effort (like olympic lifts...i can't wait to really train those and get good at them some day). Just my personal thoughts. Calories and energy expenditure is the key to monitoring your size.

Jake · 01-09-2005, 12:05 PM

I think Rev is right on, and I'm in the same situation as you. Apart from diet, switch focus from muscle-building techniques (higher repetition weightlifting, etc.) to other aspects of fitness: strength, power, endurance, etc.

jwrives · 01-10-2005, 03:39 PM

Why don't you just start experimenting with your diet and your workout. It took you 2 years to put on 15 pounds. It's not like you are going to get huge overnight. You should be able to find a happy balance with a little trial and error.

gettinhuge · 01-10-2005, 08:28 PM

You cant get to huge!! (lol)

The Smaniac · 01-11-2005, 08:24 AM

In my experience I've found that the universal truth holds: food builds muscle. So regulating your diet is a good way to control changes in size, IMO. If you're interested in maintaining or increasing strength don't decrease your training intensity (lift HEAVY), but keeping your caloric intake at maintenence will keep you from growing much. You might also want to try increasing your cardio load; its a great way to increase your overall fitness and endurance and will also slow muscle growth. Personally I'd love 15 more lbs. of muscle, but to each their own, I guess.