Hit 180lbs finally but not looking any bigger

[asicx]

5' 3", 25 yrs old, approx 15-20% bf, 180lbs (up from 170 since Feb07'), serious lifting/dieting since Feb 07

I can feel that my t-shirts are more snug and tight around the shoulders and all my 34" waiste dress pants from last year don't fit anymore. But I don't look any bigger. I do feel darn heavier though when I do martial arts compared to a few months ago (I like my new power and strength, though).

What's going on? Help. Thanks

 

[DOMS]

It may just be your perception. It's not usual for weight trainers to see themselves as smaller than they are. Or, just as likely, they has a skewed version of what "big" is. Mostly because of the shear size of the professional bodybuilders.

You may not think that you're bigger, but your shirts say otherwise.

Good job on getting bigger!

 

[PreMier]

Need more information. What was your bf% in feb of 07?

Fat(less dense) takes up more volume than muscle(more dense). So you would look smaller by gaining weight if you were losing fat.. but your saying your gaining size but dont look bigger. Maybe you have gained fat and therefor you cant see your muscles as well.. so you look smaller? OR its just your perception like stated above

 

[soxmuscle]

I'll think I look bad and a buddy will say differently. You're just effed in the head like me.

 

[Zinthar]

Kinda hard to objectively look at yourself when you see yourself in the mirror every single day -- take some pictures of yourself and write down the date, and then check again after a few months...