For me it seems when I stay in the early stage of the program 5 to 8 reps for 3 sets I look bigger,fuller, like I gained more tissue weight is the same . But when I may add 1 day of cardio or go into the 6th or 7th week of my program and maybe even pump work I look smaller and my circumference of size diminishes . My calories are set to 1800 I am 47 years old and taking hormone replacement for menopause. I spoke with a member of the gym who had competed in the past but 15 years older than me. and she suggested m rep range to change to 20.16 .10.8.5 . I’m at a loss in this forever cycle. I know Hypertrophy can create more gains but I seem bigger with heavier reps . And she claimed at my age I should be going lighter with more reps to create less injury and create more muscle maturity. I have been lifting for over 15 years now so I feel the muscle maturity is there? Sorry of the long inquiry I’m just frustrated.
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