For the past couple weeks I've unintentionally kept my workout exactly the same. Same reps, same weight. Not a lack of motivation, it's just when I'm done I can't do any more. But the crazy thing is, my muscles seem to be getting bigger! So, I realize that I won't get any stronger without increasing my workout, but should I be getting bigger?
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Just because you do the same workout, doesn't necessarily mean you performed it the same way ;-) If you're stronger you may have performed everything slightly faster– Ivo FlipseCommented Jun 15, 2011 at 9:38
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@SamuelAndrew, take a look at this question too about increasing weight and muscle mass.– user241Commented Aug 16, 2011 at 13:49
1 Answer
Take a look at this question for an indirect answer to your question. Basically, muscle size and strength do not always go hand in hand. Strength is the ability to do work--and you will never get stronger if you never increase weights. However, you can get bigger when you increase the volume of work with lower weights.
Also note, that beginners tend to see bigger/quicker gains than people who have been exercising a lot longer. The main reason is that the difference between your next potential and your current ability becomes a lot smaller.