I have been working out for many years and Im not trying to brag but I am very strong. I am 5'11'' and weight 230 pounds and I have very little fat on me.

However, I do not look very strong nor do I look like I weigh that much. At the gym, I work out with several people who are all much more muscular looking then me. However, I can lift much more then they do and do longer sets. Im not saying I am not muscular looking, because I am, but my strength far outweights my looks. Why do some people who are not as strong look like they are and I dont look as strong but am stronger then those people?

I am not working out purely for looks but I dont think anyone would mind looking more muscular. With my weight, most people say I look like I weigh 180-200 pounds whereas I weigh 230. I attribute this to my muscles becuase I have very little fat on me and I doubt my organs are extremely heavy or anything.

I guess what I am saying is I am annoyed because I put in the time, gain the strength, but never look like it and others who are not as dedicated look the part and gain the attention I wouldnt mind having.

Any ideas?

Thanks

I'm not an expert, but I'm wondering could it be the shape of your muscles? I wonder, is your form good? It sounds weird to me that you would be that in shape, not much fat, and not look muscular. Maybe you have a more slender body-type and won't get the bulk look without some more fat? But alot of women do like the more slender muscular types with a six pack, I'm one of them; the bulky guys are too puffy for me.

Anyway, being stronger even without looking it is important too.

Genetics plays a big role also. I have the same problem. I DO NOT look like I weight 150 lbs, but I do. People guess I'm 130-135.

I've been working really hard on my shoulders and arms to get more definition, but it is just not happening for me. I'm sure it just my genetic blueprint that says "no arms dents for you"!

Seriously though, I do know how you feel.

Yea I cant really explain it. I am muscular looking but my weight and strength should make me look alot more muscular then I am. My weight is the main factor- I have very little fat but people are at least 25+ pounds off when estimating my weight.

Im not sure about my muscle shape. I do have a more slender body type though.

I enjoy going to the gym and outperforming those that look alot bigger then me but those times are too few. I would much rather have larger muscles 24/7 then just during my gym time.

It's most likely genetic. The shape of your muscles, connective tissue, bone structure etc is all determined mostly by genetics. It sounds like you've honed your body into an extremely good condition, but you might have to accept that it may not ever take the shape you want it to. Some people are destined for the bodybuilder look, whilst others get a more lean, toned look. Personally I think I also fall into the latter category, being also stronger than I look.

The only tip I could give you which probably you already do is to focus on the 8 - 12 rep range, as this is supposed to give the best hypertrophy (size) growth for muscles. Really take control of each rep and feel the weight all the way up and down. If you're doing this, and consuming enough protein then I can't see how you could do better...

Yea I am already doing all of that. I guess I will just have to accept my appearance........

Sometimes it is just how it is. Some people even have it only in some areas like my son, seriously, if he actually went to the gym on a regular basis(he doesn't most of the time), in only a few weeks you can see large bi-ceps &triceps, huge shoulders(and wonderfully ripped) but no matter how much he tried, his chest remained flat looking, no well-rounded pecs for him. When he used to go to the gym alot with friends, they all benched the same weight but his friends ended up with the bulging chests. So his story was like yours but only in some body parts; besides chest, his calves remained pretty slim too.:(