Originally Posted by
terrymorse
It's true that you can increase muscle strength through neuromuscular recruitment, but that does not mean that muscle mass is not correlated to strength. It is. More muscle mass produces more strength.
It's also true that you don't need to have a calorie surplus to build muscle. You can still build muscle with balanced calories—or even a slight deficit (~200-300 kcal).
It is true when it comes to over all weight lifted size matters. However there is no correlation to “muscle size and strength”. Many bodybuilders at 350 lbs can’t lift what a 200 lb power lifter can. If you are in the powerlifting scene you understand this. The strongest man to ever live is alive today and about to brake his own record again. He is 450lbs and can deadlift maybe 2.75 x his body weight. There are many smaller guys that can go well over 3x body weight.
You are correct. Building muscle while in a deficit is called recomping. You do this by balancing your macros towards fat and protein and away from carbs, while resistance training. I find it really easy but some find it really hard and end up gaining weight lol.