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.
I know a lot of ppl are all about body weight fitness but I didn't start actually building a ton of muscle until I started lifting. Got a barbell and some weights. Lift heavy shit.
Yeah, I'd like that ideally, Covid just makes it difficult. Barbell and weights is spendy so bodyweight feels easier to get into I guess.
I made a starting bar out of steel pipe and pvc. https://barbell-logic.com/diy-training-bar-and-plates/ Weights out of some sets of old brake disks I got from friends and family that work on vehicles. Put a piece of 2" PVC in the center of them and filled the disk with concrete. Course this is all because I have the resources to do that. Not everyone has the tools to do it.
I actually just ordered a real bar cause the one I made can't handle higher weights. But that starter bar did a good job.
Maybe look into a kettlebell? You can do most movements that you can do with a barbell, as well as others (turkish get up!) that are really good. Also it's small and cheap.
Will a dumbell do? I tried Turkish getups a bit, but they didn't really feel like they were doing much, think I'd need someone to show me how to do them correctly in person.
Were you doing them with just body weight, or weighted? A dumbell can work, I just think that for at home a kettlebell works better for compound movements. Squads, deadlifts, etc. are possible with a kettlebell, where they're a little more awkward with a dumbell. I also think on average kettlebells are more affordable than dumbells? Though it might depend on where you are. Think about it this way, you can do pretty much everything a dumbell can with a kettlebell (and the kettlebell is better bc since the weight is off-center you have to stabalize it, making it more "work", which is a good thing) but you can't do everything a kettlebell can with a dumbell.
Yeah, with my dumbells. Kettlebells always felt awkward to use, but maybe the stabilizing thing you said is why.
Oh you already have dumbells? I thought you didn't have anything. If you already have dumbells then I wouldn't worry about a kettlebell, though if you need to upgrade weight look into it. Were you holding them correctly? There's a certain grip that makes it feel more natural IMO. I can't reccomend kettlebells enough, you won't end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger with them but you can certainly gain weight and "fill in the gaps" that focusing on non-compound movements can give you.