Curvier Body: 10 Exercises to Gain Weight
Achieving an ideal weight is not just about losing weight for those who are overweight. For thin individuals, gaining weight is also a crucial step toward achieving their desired physique. In addition to increasing caloric intake, exercise for weight gain is the healthiest and most effective way.
What types of exercise can be added to your weight gain efforts? Discover a variety of options in the review below!
Various Exercises to Support Weight Gain
Physical activity, such as exercise, is generally associated with weight loss through calorie burning. However, certain types of exercise can stimulate muscle growth, thereby increasing your lean body mass and giving you a more filled-out physique.[1] Here are some of those exercise options:
1. Pull-Ups

Have a pull-up bar at home? Put it to use! While pull-ups are often associated with high calorie burning, this physical exercise will also help increase body mass through the development of arm and back muscles.
Defy gravity, one pull at a time. Slow down your movements and feel every muscle fiber in your arms working hard. 3 sets of 8 repetitions is the key to building muscle mass.
2. Bench Press

What kind of exercise is suitable for gaining weight? For gym-goers, the bench press is an effective choice for building muscle mass.
Start with light weights, then gradually move on to heavier dumbbells to stimulate muscle growth. Perform at least 8–12 repetitions.
3. Push-Ups

The advantage of push-ups is that they require no equipment and can be done at home.
How many push-ups to gain weight? Execute push-ups in 2 sets, with 10 to 20 repetitions per set.
You can also combine this exercise with the bench press. Observations show that combining these two exercises for 8 weeks is effective enough to thicken muscles by up to 1.5 mm.[2]
4. Squats

Squats are a home exercise for weight gain that are quite easy to perform.
According to available observations, individuals who performed 100 squats per day over 45 training sessions for 8 weeks succeeded in reducing body fat by 4.2% while increasing muscle thickness by up to 3.2%.[3]
5. Lunges

Lunges are an exercise that can help you gain weight by focusing on leg muscle mass.
For beginners, perform 2–3 sets of 10–12 repetitions per leg. The burning sensation you feel in your legs indicates that the muscles are actively working.
6. Tricep Dips

Tricep dips involve lifting your body using tricep strength, aided by a support behind your body. Perform this exercise for 3 sets of 10 repetitions for maximum results.
7. Deadlifts

The heavy weight you lift in this exercise will maximize the growth of your arm, leg, and back muscles simultaneously, resulting in a larger physique. For muscle development, perform 4 sets of 6–12 repetitions.
8. Overhead Press

Still on the subject of lifting weights, another exercise to gain weight is the overhead press.
You can use dumbbells or kettlebells; however, studies show that kettlebells are more effective in maximizing muscle activation during this exercise.[4] Perform 3 to 4 sets, with each set consisting of 6 to 8 repetitions.
9. Glute Kickbacks

For women who want an ideal weight and well-toned glutes, this exercise is highly effective as it optimally targets the buttock muscles. Try to perform at least 10 to 15 kicks per leg, for a total of 2 sets.
10. Swimming

Swimming regularly will encourage the development of muscles rarely targeted in other exercises, such as the shoulders and back. The result? Your body will look larger with added muscle definition and feel denser.
To see modest results within two months, you can perform this exercise routinely 3 to 4 times a week.
Tips for Successful Weight Gain

Exercise alone will not fulfill your hopes. There are a number of additional efforts you must make to ensure the weight gain process meets your expectations, including:
1. Increase Protein Consumption
Just as an engine needs high-quality fuel, your muscles need protein to grow and develop. Dishes made from eggs, chicken breast, tuna, and edamame can be good sources of protein to consume after exercise.
2. Meet Your Daily Caloric Needs
Exercise can support your weight gain, provided that your caloric intake exceeds the number of calories burned during training. Strive to eat more calories than you used to while exercising regularly.
3. Get Sufficient Sleep
The habit of staying up late or not getting enough rest will cause muscle mass to decrease.[5] As a result, the exercise you do and your strict diet plan will be in vain.
Weight gain requires a holistic approach. Combine the 10 exercises for weight gain above and pay attention to your food intake so that you can reach your ideal weight faster.
Shop Healthy and Save at Sido Muncul Store!
Get reward points on every purchase, collect points, and exchange them for discounts! The more points you have, the more you save! Come on, visit the Sido Muncul Store now!