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.
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.