Depends on the person's level of training, but most people can get stronger over time if programming is correct and their body weight is not inhibiting recovery too a degree that affects the person getting in the necessary training stimulus.
Thought I would ask this here but in your opinion if somebody is happy with their weight and body composition are they at that point limited for the most part to eating and thus lifting for maintenance or have you found that people can actually make strength gains despite not getting bigger?
Depends on the person's level of training, but most people can get stronger over time if programming is correct and their body weight is not inhibiting recovery too a degree that affects the person getting in the necessary training stimulus.
If a person is happy with their weight and body composition, what is the point? In order to get stronger, you'd have to increase your muscle mass which will either increase your weight or change your body composition (offsetting muscle gain with a corresponding reduction in body fat).
I think most people should leave the questions to the experts like Jordan but that's just me.
I’ve also been struggling to understand the “guiding principles” for weight gain at the intermediate stage. I realize that this is highly individualistic. But there must be some “rules of thumb.” I’m guessing that the primary “rules” for an intermediate to gain weight would be as follows:
1) A tool to help overcome a hard stall
2) Gaining mass/size
I see people like yourself who deadlift over 700 lbs. at a body weight close to 200. So, it’s obvious to me that a person doesn’t have to keep gaining weight to get stronger. I’m just not completely clear on when an intermediate should make a conscious effort to gain weight. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Don't forget, I pushed my weight up to nearly 230lbs when I was an early intermediate. Weight gain is important. I don't really have rules for gaining weight, but in general, most intermediates who are not strictly limited to a weight class in a sport that pays them a lot of money should probably gain weight for 12-16 weeks at a time 2-3x per year until they're an advanced athlete/have a sport that is a weight class sport that pays them money/have decreased motivation to gain weight regardless of strength (that's where I'm at currently). I'd be stronger at 231 and stronger still at 264, but I don't care enough to do that to myself.
Another favourite Feigenbomb:
'Eat a 40-50g of protein (8oz of meat, 2 scoops whey, 8 eggs, etc) 5 x per day (3 meals + 2 shakes work nicely). Have a good bit of carbs with each meal (oats, rice, potatoes, etc.), and as many veggies as you want. Put down a glass or two of whole milk with each meal.'
Simple but effective!