Should I Start With Weight Training or Bodyweight Exercises?

Fast-Track Your Gains: Bodyweight or Weight Training First?

When it comes to starting a workout routine, the age-old question remains: should I start with weights or bodyweight exercises?

First things first, let's make one thing clear: both types of exercises have their benefits, and ultimately, you’ll probably want to do a combo of both.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you can't go wrong with either one. But, there are a few factors that’ll help you determine the best style to launch into first if you want to supercharge your gains. 

If you’ve been with us for a while here at MME, you’ll know we offer both bodyweight and gym-based programs that utilize weights, so it’s no secret that we're all about getting the most out of both worlds.

Now, let's dive in and talk about when it might be better to start with one type of exercise over the other.

BODYWEIGHT VS. WEIGHT TRAINING

You want to know the truth about bodyweight exercises vs. weight training? Both have their place, but don't get it twisted – there's a clear winner when it comes to starting out. 

Here's how to tell what's best for your unique body and fitness journey:

WHEN IS IT BEST TO START WITH BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES?

First, let's look at the benefits of starting with bodyweight exercises. These are a great place to begin because they allow you to focus on developing foundational strength and overall fitness so you can build on a powerful base that will carry over into other exercises down the road.

Bodyweight workouts will help you develop a strong core, increase your spatial awareness and body control, and improve your coordination and joint mobility. They're low-impact which also helps you avoid injury by teaching proper form and technique, which is essential before progressing to heavy weights.

Plus, they can be done anywhere, anytime – no gym membership required! 

To get started with bodyweight exercises, we highly recommend our Warrior Shred Training Program and our 180 Day Bodyweight Beast Program. These hard-hitting, zero-equipment workout programs were designed to help you achieve maximum results and take your bodyweight gains to the next level. 

WHEN IS IT BEST TO START WITH WEIGHT TRAINING?

Let's be real, not everyone is a newbie, and there are situations where starting your new workout routine with weight training may be a better option.

Say you you're already in shape, or you've been working out consistently for a while. If you already have a decent level of fitness, weight training is a great way to increase overall strength and muscle mass, and can help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly. 

Lifting weights gets you stacked in record time, because this kind of workout actually  supercharges your hormones that build muscle, leading to faster muscle growth. Plus, weight training is great for improving bone density, maintaining lean muscle mass, and strengthening your connective tissue so you're less likely to pull tendons and ligaments during other types of exercise like cardio. 

That said, it's important to kickstart your lifting workouts with lighter weights and focus on proper form and technique to avoid injury. Learn how with our life-changing MME Generation Elite™ Program below:

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

At the end of the day, the answer to the question of whether you should start with weights or bodyweight exercises is simple: you should do both.

Ultimately, the best approach is to incorporate both types of exercises into your routine. Here's why:

Bodyweight exercises are great for warming up, developing foundational strength, and improving coordination and body control.

Weight training can help you increase overall strength and muscle mass, and should be incorporated into your routine once you've built a foundation of bodyweight strength.

By combining both types of workouts, you'll get the best of both worlds and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

Here at MME, we believe in getting the most out of both worlds. That's why we offer a variety of programs that utilize both bodyweight exercises and weights, so you can get the best of both styles and achieve your fitness goals faster. 

Check out our collections below and start your fitness journey in the right direction:

7 MORE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Now you know the general idea of where to begin, let's hone in on your ideal workout style match. To find the right fit for you, it all depends on a few more factors:

1. YOUR OVERALL GOALS.

The first thing to consider is your fitness goals. If you're looking to lose weight, bodyweight exercises may be a great place to start. They're an effective way to burn calories and improve your overall fitness level without putting too much strain on your joints. On the other hand, if you're looking to build muscle and increase your strength, weightlifting exercises are the way to go. Lifting weights can help you build muscle mass and develop a more defined physique.

2. NEXT, YOUR SPECIFIC GOALS.

If you have a specific fitness goal in mind, such as building muscle or increasing strength for a sport or competition, then weight training may be the better option to start with. Weight training is great for building overall strength and can be tailored to specific goals by targeting specific muscle groups.

3. YOUR CURRENT FITNESS LEVEL.

Another important factor to consider is your current fitness level. If you're new to exercise, starting with bodyweight exercises can help you build a strong foundation of fitness before moving on to weightlifting exercises. Bodyweight exercises are low-impact and can be modified to suit your fitness level. But if you're already fit and looking to challenge yourself, weightlifting exercises can take your fitness to the next level. However, it's crucial to start with lighter weights and work your way up to avoid injury.

4. YOUR ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT.

Bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere, anytime, without any equipment. But if you have access to a gym or weights at home, then you open up a world of muscle-building possibilities with weight training options.

5. YOUR INJURY HISTORY.

If you have a history of joint or muscle injuries, then bodyweight exercises might be a better starting point. By applying gentle, controlled pressure limited by your own body weight, they'll help you improve your mobility and body control without putting too much strain on your muscles and joints.

6. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS. 

If you have a physical limitation that makes bodyweight exercises difficult or impossible, such as joint pain or mobility issues, then weight training may be a better starting point. With specific weights and target areas, you can adjust the weight and range of motion to accommodate your needs and work on building strength in a safe and effective way. It's important to consult with a medical professional or certified trainer to ensure that you are using proper form and not exacerbating any existing conditions.

7. YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCES.

Finally, your personal preferences also play a role in deciding whether to start with bodyweight exercises or weightlifting exercises. Do you enjoy working out in a gym setting with weights or do you prefer the freedom of working out at home with just your bodyweight? Consider what type of workout environment you feel most comfortable in and what will keep you motivated to stick with your fitness routine.

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