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.
Do you do a pyramid of squats and one of pushups on the same day or alternating?
I alternated, and I would recommend that as well. Working your entire body that hard every day will not be pleasant, especially when the soreness kicks in.
Once I got really comfy, instead of resting, I'd swap to crunches. Or wear a backpack with extra weight in it. But don't worry about that shit now. Focus on reaching 10.
You need rest days. That's when your muscle fibers repair themselves and you actually get stronger. If you don't have rest days you're just fucking yourself up.
Yes, this is true, but as long as you aren't working the same groups of muscles for 24-48 hours you're good.
In my previous post when I said "instead of resting" i was referring to the moments in between pyramid sets, which would normally be spent doing nothing.