Bodyweight vs Artificial Weights: Which Should You Use to Build Muscle Faster?

What’s Best for Building Muscle?

Hey Fam, I'm Back – And We Need to Talk About Muscle Building! 💬

Life got a little hectic lately—been buried in exams and personal stuff. But if there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking care of our body should never feel like a punishment… it should feel like a partnership. 💪🏾

That said, let’s get back on track—together.

And today, I want to touch on something a lot of people ask (especially when starting their fitness journey):

"Should I stick with bodyweight exercises or hit the gym and lift artificial weights?"

If that sounds like your current dilemma, trust me—you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in a way that feels real, honest, and doable.

💡 First Off – What Do These Terms Even Mean?

Bodyweight training means using you as your own gym. Think:

✔ Push-ups

✔ Squats

✔ Planks

✔ Pull-ups

No machines, no weights—just your own strength.

Artificial weights include anything external, like:

✔ Dumbbells

✔ Barbells

✔ Kettlebells

✔ Resistance bands

✔ Gym machines

Each has its place, depending on where you’re at in your journey.

❤️ Why I Respect Bodyweight Workouts

Let’s be real—bodyweight workouts saved me when I couldn’t make it to the gym. They don’t just build muscle; they build discipline, coordination, and confidence.

Benefits of bodyweight training:

• No fancy equipment needed
• Easier on the joints for beginners
• Improves full-body awareness
• You can literally train anywhere—even your bedroom

But here’s the honest truth:

After a while, if you don’t level up your routine, your progress can stall. That’s where weights come in.

🔩 Why Artificial Weights Hit Different

Artificial weights allow something powerful: progressive overload. That simply means gradually increasing the challenge for your muscles—which is the #1 way to grow.

• What they bring to the table:
• Easier to target specific muscle groups
• Helps build size and strength faster
• Great for when you hit a plateau
• Offers more structured progression

If you’re looking to really bulk or improve definition, weights can be your best friend.

🤔 So... Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s something I always say:

"The best training method is the one that matches your current lifestyle, goals, and mindset."

Situation and what to Go For

• Just starting out or on a budget Bodyweight is perfect
• You want to train at home Bodyweight wins again
• You’re ready to gain muscle mass Time to add weights
• Want more variety & control Weights + machines work well

🧩 The Best Strategy? Combine Both

If I could give you just one solid piece of advice today, it would be this:

💬 Start where you are, use what you have, and evolve as you grow.

You don’t have to choose either/or. Why not use both to your advantage?

Start with bodyweight to learn control and movement.

Slowly introduce weights as your confidence and strength grow.

Alternate or combine them for a full-body transformation.

👊 Final Words from Me to You

Listen, fitness isn’t about having the most expensive gym membership or lifting the heaviest weights on day one. It’s about showing up, being kind to your body, and choosing progress over perfection.

Whether it’s a push-up on the floor or a dumbbell curl in the gym, every rep is a step forward.

And if today is your first day getting back on track—welcome back. I’m with you on this journey. No pressure, no guilt. Just growth. 🌱