Heavy weights vs. Body weight training

JasAbyG

Is there a difference in results?

DatRipped

Depending on the type of "heavy weight training" and/or body weight exercise being done there could be little or huge difference in results.

A rule of thumb, however, is that as long as you're working to failure on the last set of each specific exercise--whether it be body weight or weight/resistance training--you will gain lean muscle.

Which exercises would you like to compare specifically? My suggestion would be to include as many compound/full body movements as possible and to do a bit of both, resistance training AND body weight training alike.

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

Our muscles doesn't know the difference between training with heavy weights or just with body weight. However the main difference is in the progression. Unlike in weights wherein you can always make progression by lifting a heavier one, in body weight training you need to be more creative. There are some information online about different variations of body weight exercises that you can do as you get stronger. Push-ups is one classic example of a body weight exercises that has variations that suit different fitness levels.

However in other exercises such as pull-ups, squats and lunges, you can start off using only your body weight but as you get stronger you will be needing weights for your muscles to fatigue continuously and improve results.