Are Bodyweight Exercises as Effective as Weightlifting?

The answer is it depends.  When adding the weight of barbells and dumbbells, and so on you're more likely to build muscle mass quicker due to the continuous stress it places on the muscles.  However, if you do not also place focus on flexibility and recovery, weightlifting can be more troublesome than beneficial.  Calisthenics, also known as bodyweight exercises, tend to have more flexibility work built in and since you are only lifting your own bodyweight it's seen as more functional and not as harsh on the body.

Bodyweight vs Weightlifting: Which Is Better?

If you're primary goal is not to bulk up, but instead build lean muscle and overall improved fitness, consider calisthenics over weightlifting.  On the other hand if your goal is to build more muscle and increase your strength specifically, weightlifting will get you there.  Just be sure that you don't neglect flexibility training and recovery time when weightlifting.

Our recommendation is to not just pick one.  Integrate both into your fitness routine.  Weightlifting to target building up specific muscles and calisthenics to improve overall physical health.

There is one overall benefit of calisthenics over weightlifting that cannot be ignored.  Bodyweight exercises are far more convenient since they make it possible to workout anywhere thanks to not requiring extra equipment.

Check below for an ultimate bodyweight workout guaranteed to get you sweating.

🤔Did you try the above workout?  Which do you prefer?  DM, message, post...we're listening.👂