bodyweight exercises

[Fidayin]

you don't gain weight by doing weight lifting or bodyweight exercices. Only if you follow a bulk diet you will gain weight.

[branagan]

when i used to train, my tranier had me doing 50 push-ups 30sec break, for 3 sets. i couldn't do it properly.

[GTL]

Punch Drunk is right on the money. I'll add that If you want to keep using bodyweight exercises for strength you'll have to use harder variations for example when I train for strength I'll load a backpack with 100+ lbs and **** out 5, I can do a few more but I stop to avoid extra mass. To keep it interesting I'll do 1 arm pushups and 1 arm 1 leg pushups and Im working on planche pushups (ie no legs). Search some gymnastics **** on youtube gymnasts are extremely strong and explosive, ring pushups are sweet you'll only be able to do half the # of pushups youd normally do if you go deep. I made some 'rings' from 15' of rope and 1' of PVC pipe which will cost like $5, I made 2 sets one with a shorter rope so I could do dips, pull ups or tuck planche pushups on them (thats not all you can do though).

PS the weighted pushups are dangerous for your back, placement of the weights is crucial and so is form. Id actually suggest not doing them lol.

Just curious, how do you think weight pushups are bad for your back?

You should have decent pushup numbers before doing them, and it works your core as well.

I prefer them over the bench press.. I put a pillow and weights in a backpack and crack some out..

I'm not saying your wrong or attacking you but, I want to see your view one why there 'bad' for your back