It is a shame most people think you need to lift weights to build an attractively muscular, strong, functional body. Bodyweight exercises also build muscle, and in my opinion, a more useful type of muscle than weight lifting alone.

Most Exercisers Think You Need To Lift Weights To Build Muscle

Let's be honest... lifting weights is the best way to build muscle. But that doesn't mean you can't build muscle without weights. It just means if is best if you are looking to MAXIMIZE muscle size.

But maximizing your muscles is not necessarily the goal of all exercisers. I for one, don't want the bulky, pumped up muscles of a bodybuilder. I prefer tight, solid muscle that is strong and powerful in moving my own body and weighted objects equally well.

The point is, who cares if weight lifting is the best for building muscle if it doesn't fit your goals. After all, you don't need a Ferrari to go to the corner store.

Military Calisthenics Builds Muscle Without Weights

If you've ever had the opportunity to see someone before and after they go through Basic Training, you'll know what I'm talking about here. After a few months of Basic Training (which is predominantly bodyweight exercises), the new recruit is leaner, stronger and more musclular. You can see it in the way they carry themselves. And the great thing is, this is useful muscle and not just pumped up muscles.

Gymnasts Are An Example Of What Can Be Achieved With Bodyweight Exercises

If you are still in doubt that you can build muscle without weights, just take a look at a gymnast. Those muscles and fine physique are build by moving their own bodyweight around. And you have to be impressed with the level of strength, explosive power and physical ability they posses.

Many Former Weight Lifters Report More Functional Muscle

In my own experience teaching people to use bodyweight exercise, many men and women have said that they feel, look and perform better than they did when they just lifted weights. While their muscles might not be the biggest they've ever been, they are more useful. They are better suited for meeting the challenges of sport, work and life with excellence. (And really, isn't that why you should be exercising in the first place?)

You can build muscle without weights. And while if might not build bigger muscles than weight lifting, I would argue it builds a better quality of muscle. Just try a bodyweight only program for a few months and you'll see what I mean.