So the recent push of emails for the Shape Shifter Workout Program has re-kindled my interest in body weight exercises.
On the one hand, I love body weight training because it just feels right. On the other, I do not think you can build as much mass with body weight training as you can with traditional weight training – but of course this is just my opinion.
I’ve done a quick lit review and was unable to find any direct comparisons between body weight exercises and weighted exercises, so we’re really left to ‘logic’ are way though this process.
So logically – I see no reason why a muscle would react differently to different sources of resistance.
Acceleration is Acceleration, Force is Force and Work is Work, these classic definitions don’t change just because we’ve changed the source of the resistance.
So based on this it seems fair to say that the only thing limiting the muscle building potential of body weight exercises is your creativity.
Yet, I remain skeptical.
Now, I am COMPLETELY open to the idea that I’ve been influenced by IMAGE ILLUSION -the fact that the imagery associated with body weight exercises contain lean, toned people while the imagry of people lifting weights is your traditional body builder look.
It also may be that the increased load that is possible with weights simply allows you to get the job done faster – and I am a stern believer that most of our contrary opinions and arguements in the world of muscle building stem from the fact that we forget that this is all about ‘rate’ or ‘speed’ (it’s not IF you can build muscle, but rather HOW QUICKLY can you build muscle).
Lastly it is completely possible that I am simply over thinking this whole issue – after all – I’ve had the best success with the simple mantra’s of ‘get work done’ and ‘progress to progress’.
So here’s what I want you to do:
Check out the message and claims the guys are making over at Shape Shifter (LINK HERE), then comeback and leave a message on this post.
What I want to know is:
Do you think there is a difference in the muscle building potential of Classic Weight Training Versus Body Weight Training?
and
Do you think you can “redesign your body” with Body weight Exercises (and a good diet)?
Keep in friendly, educational and please…no swearing 😉
BP
(I’ll hop on and answer questions after 5 today…)
