Strength gains without weight gain?

[Barkwood]

It's been a month now since I revamped my workout and diet. I'm 5'10 and was sitting at 125 lb (I got very sick and lost some weight before I exercised again) and now I'm back to my normal weight at 142 lb.

There's been a lot of strength gains and it seems I keep breaking record every time I hit the gym (keeping good form as to avoid injury as my main focus). I also increased my caloric intake from 4 meals a day to 6 which includes a protein shake after workout. I can feel as well as see the difference in my body. The muscles themselves feel springy and I feel like jumping around and taking some judo lessons.

The only cardio I do is a ride on my road bike once a week for about an hour at a cruising speed. What do you ladies/gents think is possibly happening? I feel great otherwise.

[F W Nietszche]

What exactly is your question? I read your post twice and couldn't find what you were asking, you just kind of gave out a bunch of facts about your training.

Weight gain is totally dependent on caloric intake. Which it is possible to gain muscle and lose fat if you can really manipulate what can be seen as micro cycles of cutting and bulking you either gain weight or you lose it.

Strength gain can come from either getting larger muscles that have more work capacity OR through better utilization of your existing muscle fibers through more efficient firing of your nerves.

[__Iceman__]

If you keep increasing your strength you will eventually get bigger. But if you're eventually lifting 500 on the bench press and 700 deadlift and 650 on squats while staying at 142lbs let me know.

[Barkwood]

What exactly is your question? I read your post twice and couldn't find what you were asking, you just kind of gave out a bunch of facts about your training.

Weight gain is totally dependent on caloric intake. Which it is possible to gain muscle and lose fat if you can really manipulate what can be seen as micro cycles of cutting and bulking you either gain weight or you lose it.

Strength gain can come from either getting larger muscles that have more work capacity OR through better utilization of your existing muscle fibers through more efficient firing of your nerves.

I'm not gaining weight. Although, I'm getting stronger. Is this normal?

Anyway, you've answered it, thanks for your input. One more thing, I ONLY drink a protein shake after my workout, so on off days I don't drink one, instead I eat 5-6 meals of plain food. Should I be supplementing my diet with more shakes?