Quote from: Albert B. Gonzalez on Aug 12, 2011, 11:26 AMsince when has "size" become a strength indicator?It definitely a strength indicator - all else equal, a larger muscle is a stronger muscle. I remember a chart in my very distant copy of the Weightlifting Encyclopedia showing rapidly diminishing returns due to gains in neurological efficiency, and then subsequent increases coming largely from hypertrophy. My memory is hazy and I don't know what data that graph was based but maybe somebody could have a look. I think the bigger question is whether a weightlifter should care about the size of his lats. They have a role to play in keeping the bar close to the body in the snatch. If video or observation shows that keeping the bar close is a problem it might be useful. I do think that a load of snatches and cleans is the right direction, but repeating those same movements when more variety could be done instead, can lead to repetitive strain. Also, I think there is some psychological advantage to having a "harmoniously developed physique" as T. Bompa might say - whether the extra muscle is needed in the sport or not (though making weight could be more difficult).
since when has "size" become a strength indicator?
