5'11", about 160lb. I could stand to convert 10lbs into muscle. Started swimming laps again this week (used to swim competitively).

Ok, so I've got nothing on Rocco, but I've got about...

Wait.. wrong forum!

Quote:Original post by Ilici
Ok, so I've got nothing on Rocco, but I've got about...

Wait.. wrong forum!

6' 2", 130 pounds(perhaps 140 now). Skinny, but not as skinny as I used to be. Not much muscles to speak of, but on the plus side, I don't need chairs to change lightbulbs.(seriously)

I used to have hair that went all the way down my back as well. Not sure why, I just didn't like getting my hair cut. [grin]

Quote:Original post by tstrimp
This isn't necessarily true. Bulk comes not just from strength gain, but the way you exercise. Someone with a bigger bicep isn't necessarily stronger then a guy with a smaller bicep.

You are definitely right, using your example, comparing one person's bicep size to another's is not an accurate measure of strength at all. However, if you compare your hypothetical bicep size from a couple of months ago to your bicep size now when you are now able to curl 30 pounds more, your bicep will have grown in size.

Quote:Original post by polymorphed

Quote:Original post by Squirell
If you are truly getting stronger you have to also be getting bigger. More strength gives you more muscle which makes you bigger. There just isn't any way around that.

Actually, when it comes to strength the nervous system plays a big role.
That's why you can get stronger without actually gaining much, if any, new muscle. One example of the adaptation of the nervous system is that it learns to synchronize the firing of the motor neurons in a particular muscle, causing them to contract in powerful synchronized "bursts" instead of unsynchronized "noise".

Obviously, there's a certain point where adaptation of the nervous system is "maxed" out, and the only way a muscle can keep lifting more weight is by increasing its size. But the equation is a lot more complex than more muscle = more strength, though. [smile]

"The increase in fiber recruitment and neural coordination leads to strength gains, without the muscles actually getting bigger (hypertrophy). Even advanced weightlifters have been shown to increase their strength and power, without increasing muscle size, when they change their exercise programs. This phenomenon can only be the result of neural adaptations and increased recruitment."

That's an interesting article. I certainly agree with the part where it talks about strength gains when you first start lifting coming primarily from your nervous system, but I'm surprised at the advanced lifters part. Everything I've every read always states that you need to achieve hypertrophy to get stronger (after the initial period). I'd argue that the advanced lifters mentioned showed an increase in strength by working a little used muscle group in the new exercise or improving their balance so they can lift more.

I feel like that article doesn't reflect the complete truth because it is aimed more at beginners. I would be very surprised if advanced lifters made significant gains solely from their nervous system, but it is hard to argue without knowing the source that article used.

Quote:Original post by Ainokea
5'6, 145 lbs. Not terribly muscular except I have a huge neck because I am a wrestler. Hard to find clothes because my body isn't that big but my neck is so my shirts are really baggy and hang down my body funny.

I'd recommend button-up shirts, or polos with a few buttons for the neck.