So I've been doing bodyweight exercises semi-frequently for the past few months, and while I definitely feel stronger and can do way more reps of push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and lunges than before, I feel like I look no different and I've only gained one pound. I want to have less scrawny looking arms and shoulders, and for my butt to not be a pancake for once in my life. Not sure if this is shallow, but it would help a lot with motivation if doing this shit that my body really doesn't enjoy doing actually left some visible impact.

I know these things take time, but I'm wondering if my approach is wrong. What's usually the best way to actually build visible muscle? Is it about how much weight you lift or what? I feel frustrated. Hope this doesn't count as doomposting, just saw that's against the rules, I'm just looking for tips and venting at the same time.

  • kestrel_ [comrade/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    You probably need to eat a LOT more. There are many ways to calculate that but here's one from a quick search just to give you an idea

    https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/macronutcal.htm

    • Rem [she/her]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Hm, it says 2100 calories for working out with a sedantry job, that doesn't sound like a ton, nutritional facts say a 2000 calorie diet is standard right? But I haven't been counting calories, maybe I've actually been way under that.

      Oh fuck, my bike commute, I bet that burns hella calories.

      Edit: Wait, an entire cup of white rice is only 200 calories?? Howwwww I thought it would be like twice that 😑 Okay I'm definitely underfed, we've discovered the problem.