Elevator Pitch
Strength is going up slowly, but I’m wondering if there’s a smarter way to program for neural gains without adding a lot of size. Has anyone managed to significantly increase strength while keeping bodyweight fairly stable?
Description
I’ve been in a similar spot, especially when I wanted to stay in a certain weight class. What worked for me was shifting my training toward lower rep ranges (3–5 reps), longer rest periods, and really focusing on technique and bar speed. I also reduced overall volume slightly so I wasn’t constantly in a calorie surplus. Strength isn’t just muscle size — a lot of it is neural adaptation and efficiency. I’ve seen random discussions online, even on sites like https://www.whoseliveanyway.com/, where conversations go off into things like buy injectable steroids online with credit card as if that’s the shortcut to strength. But honestly, dialing in programming, keeping protein high, and prioritizing recovery made a noticeable difference for me without big weight gain. Small increases in calories around heavy sessions can also help without pushing you into a full bulk.
Notes
Refining technique and managing fatigue often unlock progress that isn’t immediately visible on the scale. Over time, efficiency and consistency tend to compound just like size does.