Antti
Level 10 Valued Member
@Antti, my only disagreement is with the word "necessary." If we're talking about what's necessary for someone to achieve "maximum" strength, I must confess that we then have to start talking about the word "maximum" - does that mean everyone should become a SHW lifter because, surely, a high level of skill _and_ "maximum" size is the only way to achieve maximum results?
Engineers will tell you everything is a compromise. In my former life as an avid bikie, it was always "light, inexpensive, strong - pick any two." I don't think you're suggesting that every new trainee ought to strive to weigh 400 lbs. but, if you were, I couldn't disagree if maximum strength without compromise was the stated goal.
We also need to consider the specifics - one of the reasons the deadlift was chosen for PTTP, I believe, is that it offers the most potential for CNS/skill improvement without hypertrophy. I know, e.g., that when I do a pressing program, I am going to gain muscle size in my arms and shoulders - I'm fine with that, and I don't mean to suggest that adding muscle size isn't good, just that it's not necessary. One can also do a pressing program along the lines of the one I suggested to @pet' which he reported worked for him - that was a DDD/PTTP approach of low daily volume, high frequency, and aimed for improving pressing primarily by improving skill.
-S-
Yes, if we are talking of maximum strength, it stands to reason that the largest among us will grow up to be in the superheavyweight category. The exact weight class is a matter of individual proportions. The greatest strength athletes in the World, the ones with the greatest maximum strength, are very muscular.
That is what I implied when I talked about "a certain level". We can get plenty strong without getting bigger, no question about it. But at some point it soon becomes efficient, and ultimately, necessary, if the goal is maximum strength. Again, we have to be clear that the discussion is not about what level of muscle or strength we deem suitable for ourselves.
But if I understood you correctly it appears we have, so to say, reached the same page. Although there can be some differences of opinion when it comes to the new trainee looking to reach some common strength standards.