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.
The RR can seem to be full of jargon to a newcomer by the way, so if you need any help figuring stuff out just ask. I still haven't quite figured out how to structure the ab triplet part of the workout.
It's all somewhat doable without all the equipment but they won't be nearly as good as the real thing. Look up bedsheet/door incline rows - they're fucking tough on the grip strength but they're as close as you'll get to rows. Dips you can do off a chair, but honestly that version never felt like they were doing much for me. This could be different for you - I was already quite sporty before I started so I've progressed through the progressions quite quickly I think.
I ended up finding my local outdoor gym area and doing the full workout with proper dips and rows and it was a hell of a lot better. Did it rain or shine, and after about a month I decided that I was motivated enough to start buying some equipment.
Bought a pair of rings for £20, and it was a bloody good purchase. Means I can do rows, dips, special pushup variations, different ab moves, all from the comfort of my doorframe pull-up bar.
Take the plunge, maybe spending 20 quid will give you the impetus to keep going, for the sunken cost fallacy.
If you set up what you think your ideal recommended routine would be, I can help you find alternative exercises until you buy a set of rings. Obvs I can help set one up for you if the RR looks like jargon.
Oh wow thank you so much 🤩
Wait there's a children's playground right near my apartment and it's super well lit and near a bunch of houses, so maybe I can go there after work to use their monkey bars and stuff lol.
Might take your advice on the rings purchase, I definitely am that kind of person.
just want to say- I've done this routine both in an outdoor jungle gym and at home w/ some rings and a pull up bar. if you can swing the $$ on the rings and pull up bar, they're not too expensive and can save some time, but doing it outdoors is huge. I also overtrained my pushing muscles, got injured, and I'm now training my back heavily to make up for it. make sure you're doing a lot of back work, pushups accentuate a lot of the problems posture-wise that come from the desk.
Ya definitely do that if you can. When lockdown first started the outdoor gym area got barricaded off, but the kids play area didn't. Saw all the local meatheads making good use of the monkey bars and whatnot.