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.
You're gaining weight slowly, you're doing a proven program, you're doing everything right. I didn't start to see my body change until about 6 months in, so keep that in mind.
If you want to make any adjustments, my two recommendations are getting a pair of rings for your pullup bar, and doing the 5/3/1 accessories in addition:
50 pull, 50 push, 50 of each leg in as many sets as you need. Do an easy exercise, like if you can do 10 pullups, do 50 bodyweight rows. If you can do 10 muscleups, do 50 pullups. Get it?
That kind of volume is what you need to do to get bigger.
Wait I have people in this exact threat telling me that low volume high intensity is for getting bigger, how do I know what to believe??
Either way I do like this routine idea, I will save this
Do both. Do heavy and a few for your main exercises (pullups, pushup variations, dips, etc.) Then lots and light for the 50, 50, 50