Research

Mixed

Resistance exercise can be effectively performed using bodyweight, provided the intensity and effort are sufficient to overload the neuromuscular system.

You can build strength and muscle using only your body weight. Ensure you are performing exercises that challenge you (e.g., push-ups, squats) with sufficient intensity. If bodyweight exercises become too easy, increase the difficulty (e.g., elevate feet) rather than assuming you need weights.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
bodyweight push-ups and low-load bench presses produce similar adaptations in muscle strength and size (Kikuchi and Nakazato 2017).
Lars Hubertus Lohmann et al. · European Journal of Applied Physiology · 2026

Why this rating

Supported by specific comparative studies cited in the review.

Source

What is resistance exercise? A review of current uses and potential ways forward

Lars Hubertus Lohmann et al. · European Journal of Applied Physiology · 2026

narrative_reviewCited 2×
Read the paper

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →