Off-season as in powerlifting off season.
I generally try to be at a surplus during meet prep, including what’s already considered “off season”. Generally carbs make it easier for me.
As I fill out to an ideally lean 198, I’ll probably cut carbs to maintain my weight. This would probably be for a future meet prep. But I do want to spend some off-season down the road just to get body fat lower.
Strictly answering the original question, I have personally made good gains while on 0 carbs for long periods. But what you mean by ‘gains’ i guess matters a lot. I’ve not put on much muscle doing keto or VLC, but have put on some. Have definitely made solid strength progress during those periods though.
Ahh, that makes way more sense. Thank you.
Agree that strength can progress decently well on VLC. Did you make more gains with carbs? I’m constantly weighing the pros/cons and adjusting my macros.
Training Progress I’ve found no difference if calories are equated. The only difference carbs make for me is in absolute performance, taking lifts above 95% so I’ll always compete high carb. Training I like low carb personally.