I'd say that I'm not really a powerlifter, I'd say I'm more into bodybuilding, however strength development for me is a vital part of my aims - it's nice to have the show & go rather than one or the other!

However I wonder where the physical limit is or when you have to accept you've achieved the best result you're going to achieve.

My PBs to date are (all 1RM): 140kg Bench, 200kg DL, 170Kg squats.

To me that's a good rounded mix of strength. In an obsessive way I'd like to push myself to achieve more - but mainly I'd rather concentrate on my 6-10 rep x several set work outs as that's more my thing. I know you can be a big powerlifter without necessarily being huge - I've seen some very slight guys pick up 150kg deadlifts, and do 100kg bench - impressive.

Am I achieving anything by mixing my regular building with powerlifting? I've always convinced myself that it's a good thing and I'm gaining size and strength doing it this way. However is this just an ego pursuit (and I have to say that being able to lift over 1/2 tonne in 3 compound exercises does feel great)?

Anybody here feel they're getting to their limit? If so do you keep pushing? Or just concentrate on the weights you have achieved and increase the reps?

I love developing size as well as strength - and there's something quite satisfying of piling plate after plate onto a bar and then being able to do something with it.

What do you guys feel about this?

I wasn't really sure where to post this so if a mod feels this is better suited elsewhere please move!

Personally i think you need to pick one or the other and go with that for 4-6 months, then maybe switch.

With the right diet:
Size will come when strength training;
strength will come with bodybuilding

I guess it depends on which is more important. Trying to specifically train for both is more than possible, but will take very detailed workouts and diet (based around specific fuelling for both types of training).

You could do a Layne Norton type routine, which I THINK (I am no expert on bodybuilders' routines) goes something like.

Day 1 - Power upper
Big compounds, sets of 3-5

Day 2 - Power lower
Big compounds, sets of 3-5

Day 3 - Hypertrophy upper
Bodybuilder type upper body day. Possibly split this into 2 days, push and pull.

Day 4/5 - Hypertrophy lower
Bodybuilder type leg day

burningnun wrote:You could do a Layne Norton type routine, which I THINK (I am no expert on bodybuilders' routines) goes something like.

Day 1 - Power upper
Big compounds, sets of 3-5

Day 2 - Power lower
Big compounds, sets of 3-5

Day 3 - Hypertrophy upper
Bodybuilder type upper body day. Possibly split this into 2 days, push and pull.

Day 4/5 - Hypertrophy lower
Bodybuilder type leg day

thats exactly how i trained for a long time, been doing that split on and off since like forever lol- or pretty much that split

Mines similar to the above...

Upper A 4x6 (Solid compounds)

Upper B 3x8-12 (More iso work, compounds too though...)

The above conjugated split would be good i agree. Or you could periodize your training if you want. I think it's good to keep striving for strength the same way you do with bodybuilding. After all the main difference is sets and reps, its still all about progression.

Bodybuilders shouldn't neglect heavy training. Heavy training leads to neural adaptations which will carry over into hypertrophy if training is right.

Nice lifts btw, wish my bench was up there with yours. Other lifts are pretty solid too.