How often should lifts increase?

**gbrice75** · 05-19-2010, 10:37 AM

I wasn't sure which section to post this in, but for me it specifically pertains to my diet so i'll start here.

I have been eating about 500 calories above TDEE (as far as I can tell) for 3 weeks now, but none of my lifts have increased - to keep it simple i'll just refer to my bench press. I actually haven't increased weight on my bench in a year, but i was on a 2000 calorie cutting diet and not expecting much if any gains, so I wasn't that concerned. Now that i've added 1000 calories, I am paying close attention to this and was expecting to see quick gains with such a shock to my metabolism.

I heard or read once, although I don't know how true it is, that if you're lifts aren't increasing weekly, even if just by a few lbs. (at least on large muscle groups), then that's indication that you are not growing and need to change something. Is this true?

Have I just not given it enough time? Am I expecting to see something that's not going to happen? I have never dieted to add weight, so this is new to me and all trial and error right now. I'd like to keep the error part minimal. =)

I appreciate your feedback.