For many in this day in age, the search for greater muscular size is separate from the quest of greater strength. The Internet discussions fail to include the building of strength as if it were always and is a “bad” thing. Why this has become to be is somewhat of a mystery. Though it is understandable why one would want to have larger muscles since having fully developed muscles gives the look of youthfulness and health. So it is obvious that appearance is a major ideal for today’s modern trainee. Though it has been an ideal surely from the beginning of training, the difference being that strength with development was the ideal, as opposed to the present day strength and development dichotomy. The problem seems to revolve around that many simply do not understand the difference between training for strength as in for competition and training for strength for development. Sounds simple enough but it probably isn’t so easy to differentiate the two in all circumstances. Especially since there is little material available to show the difference and even then there are plenty of gray areas. This should become apparent with further discussion of factors that may help in “demonstrating” one’s strength as opposed to “building” one’s strength. Before getting to the details and characteristics of each mode of training. Some examples may help in distinguishing the two for those aware of the difference yet have not been aware of all the differences. A common scenario is of the guy everyone knows who is extremely strong for his size. Yet may be still very lean and muscular for his or her size. Those observing the individual are of course comparing one person to others that they know, and this is the first problem. Comparing individuals is unfair and was written extensively by Arthur Jones in his Nautilus Bulletins and other writings. Let’s say this individual is able to bench press 280 pounds for a single repetition at a bodyweight of 160 pounds. Not bad for a non-competitive power lifter. But looking at this scenario further, consider how far this individual may have developed since starting. Maybe they built up from a bodyweight of 140 pounds and a 140-pound bench press. So this individual has gained 20 pounds of muscle and doubled their strength. Sounds like they’re on the right track. If this isn’t the case then there is a need to consider why not. Let’s say another individual starts at a bodyweight of 160 and benches 280 for a single but hasn’t gained above the 160 mark the entire time. In this scenario, some points to consider can include, had their body fat levels changed for the better? Were they regaining lost strength? How is their form, meaning did they modify it over time to bench the 280 or had it been consistent the entire time? Another example from an actual discussion on the Internet, had an individual claiming that strength had little to do with his current development. Specifically, that he uses much lighter weights than when he could curl for one repetition with 135 pounds and now his arms are bigger by “inches”. He also indicated how he was able to lift this weight and basically it was a tutorial on “demonstrating” one’s strength. When asked further about how much at the time he could curl for 10 repetitions in good form he indicated approximately 100 pounds. Which would indicate and average level of strength for the most part. Yet this is comparing strength levels which means little when considering actual strength to muscle gains. In this situation, the individual should consider developing the strength to curl the 135 pounds in picture perfect form before deciding that strength will not build muscle. Ask yourself, how many 160 pound guys can curl 135 pounds for 10 smooth and controlled repetitions during a full body workout? This is how to look at the general differences between a one repetition maximum and a ten repetition maximum. At this point it should be clear that a ten repetition maximum lift and a one repetition maximum is a basic criteria in the strength muscle continuum. Many training organizations indicate that 1-5 rep sets build strength and power, 8-12 is for muscle development, and 20 or more is for endurance. Obviously these are generalities, there are plenty of guys that are big and muscular as a result of training with low reps as well as others using high reps of 15-30 rep sets. The purpose of this article is to examine the various aspects of training that may give one the impression they are getting stronger but not more muscular. But not dissuade those that are in fact gaining using methods that may not work for everyone. Ultimately giving one the tools to modify their own training and allow one to gradually progress to “realistic” goals. Next Month “Factors to Consider with Demonstrating Strength”...

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