Natural strength limit

WVjon75 · 12-01-2008, 02:05 PM

Is there a point for most of us when we can't really gain more strength without gaining body weight or really getting technical with our training? I think there is, because no matter what I do at my current weight I seem to stay at or around the same strength level. I've been lifting for about 18 years and I'm in my 30's now and just seem to fluctuate around the same strength levels regardless of what training methods I use. More influential than the program I'm using or bodywight fluctuations is creatine. If I'm on creatine my strength is up, if I'm off creatine its down a little. I'm 6'2" 205-210 with medium bone structure.

After a couple weeks of creatine:
Bench press 285x5
OL Squat 325x5
OH press 175x5
DL425x5
chin up: +95x3
After cycling off:
BP 275x4
SQ 315x3
OH 165x5
DL 405x5
CU: +90x2-3

vert jump and recovery is better w/creatine also

So I guess my point is: Creatine seems to be a stronger factor than training techniques at this point and I think I'm at my potential for strength and I'm getting a little bored with this. I don't want to gain size or weight because of other athletic activities. I don't want to lose weight either because I'll lose strength.

I guess I'll just try to keep training interesting from here on out. I'm really ok with my strength level though I wouldn't mind a little more strength, who wouldn't.

Just food for though, what is your attitude toward this if you've been training for a while?

Frank.S · 12-01-2008, 02:48 PM

it may exist in theory, but nobody here is even close to it.

what have you been doing program wise? you likely need to change things up a fair amount.

StuWard · 12-01-2008, 03:16 PM

At your stage you really need to get creative with your training. It probably requires more stimulus to elicit an adaptation than before while at the same time it will take longer to recover from such an intense workout. That will require innovative recovery techniques. If you really want to get serious with getting stronger you will need to join a gym with knowledgeable lifters that can help you out. I believe it's possible to continue to make strength gains after 18 years but you will have to change the way you train. You have to really want to improve. Otherwise, just be satisfied with where you are.