A reddit user, elzeardclym, posted about his weight journey on the platform. The journey took 17 months and consisted of losing 20lbs and gaining lean muscle mass through bodyweight exercises. While some comments on the post were not helpful, the user's progress was impressive.
Milestone achievements
During the 17 months, elzeardclym achieved several bodyweight milestones including 40lbs pistol squat and 35lbs weighted pull-up. A mobility warm-up and stretching routine after exercise helped the user gain flexibility, agility and became pain-free.
Benefits of bodyweight exercises
Bodyweight exercises not only help build mass but also contribute to mobility, stability and overall health. While heavy weights build mass, the user noted the benefits of bodyweight training, which led to better flexibility and freedom in their movements. Furthermore, using bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere without much equipment.
Diet matters
While elzeardclym made impressive gains, some criticisms emerged regarding the user's diet. It is worth noting that diet matters in building muscle mass. Hence, a user should aim to consume enough calories for their workouts and ensure a balanced diet. Supplements are not a substitute for proper nutrition.
Final thoughts
Bodyweight exercises can help achieve excellent results. Indeed, elzeardclym's transformation is a testament to this. However, it is essential to note that physical training should be coupled with proper nutrition as one cannot out-train a bad diet. Notably, everyone's body is unique, and different types of training will work differently. Hence, a user should try things out for themselves and find what works best for them.