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Lifting weights for aesthetics and strength

Strength, aesthetics, and overall improvement of quality of life.

That’s what a lot of gym goers are seeking.

The benefits of strength has been explored many times, but I’ll just say that it feels good to stronger.

He looks alright

He looks alright

We are going to talk about aesthetics. This is a complicated subject because everyone has these perceptions:

  • What do I think about my body?
  • What do I think that other people think about my body?
  • What do people actually think about my body?

What are the characteristics of an aesthetic physique?

It’s well known that men would prefer to have greater mass overall, whereas women say they would rather be attracted to a man with a slimmer more athletic physique. My overarching theme here is that first and foremost you should lift weights for whatever reasons you want to, and pursue goals relentlessly.

This, however, is a topic about aesthetics, so if you are interested read on.

Aesthetic physiques typically:

  • Fit, athletic, good muscle tone
  • Balanced, symmetrical
  • Move with ease, flexible yet strong, poise of a Greek God.
  • Healthy skin tone (from fruits/vegetables and sun exposure)
  • Look as if they are able to perform functionally (mass monsters need not apply)

So it seems like aesthetics are the underlying factors of physical attractiveness. It’s about looks, yet it’s about what it looks like that aesthetic person is capable of. It’s about what it looks like that person has in terms of personality traits and confidence.

If you had the body of a Greek God, wouldn’t you find confidence in those accomplishments.

How to Train for Aesthetics

Now I could tell you to squat, deadlift, and bench press and then see what happens. Some people will turn out great, while others will have obvious weak points that detract from their physique. In other words, everyone is built differently and requires unique modifications to their training based on limb length, torso size, prior injuries, etc.

And yet, I will still tell you to Deadlift, Squat, and Bench Press because this will help to build AND measure your overall strength. Some people hardly deadlift, except to see where their strength levels are at.

The major lifts are the foundation, then from there on all you have to do is hit the muscles from different angles and rep ranges. WITH INTENSITY.

Beast mode should definitely be activated during those crucial moments.

Natural vs unnatural

For people who choose to not use steroids/AAS, the gains will come differently and the training will be different as well. Just don’t expect to look big and shredded like the people in the magazines unless you’re willing to use the same chemicals they do.

A very famous strongman from the old days

Overall, I’d say that general population appreciates a natural physique in terms of aesthetics. There is more value to the strength because it is unassisted.

Eat clean, train hard, and sleep well.

Then do it consistently.

Physical Fitness by Dre
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How Skinny is Skinny Enough?

The balance between self-perception and reality.

I looked at the mirror today as I flexed, and I saw six individual-looking abdominal muscles. Of course, the Rectus Abdominus is a single muscle, but the six-pack appearance is widely desired.

My midsection is lean and muscular, but is it lean and muscular enough?

Acceptance of yourself now, while still seeking improvement.

My body is in the best shape that it has ever been, yet I still have goals of perfection.

I will never be self-deprecating in front of others when it comes to my body, because I have reached substantial physical achievement. Aside from my lean appearance, I have the actual functional strength to back it up. That’s f*cking awesome!

But I still want more…and that’s totally okay!

I just need to keep in mind that I accept myself as I am, no matter what. In fact, I’m proud of myself, no matter what.

And thats why it’s easy for me to stay lean and muscular in the first place.

You’ll never get confidence from your body alone. Self-esteem is such an internal concept that no matter how many times the opposite sex checks you out, you will only feel good about yourself if you care about yourself.

And if you care about yourself, then it’s easy to get in shape and stay healthy.

So spend some time appreciating your strengths today. Focus on your abilities, because I know you are unique and special in that way. Then add some extra abdominal exercises and eat an extra healthy meal. Slowly, you’ll build up to the ideal balance between reality and body image.

Once you get there, well…that’s the sweet spot.

And everyone else wishes they were there too.

Power of the Mind Weightloss Now
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The Costly Pursuit of Muscle

What is it that drives so many into the pursuit of physique ideals?

You’ve been there — walking on the street as someone catches your eye. Maybe it’s their style, but you notice something so dynamic about the way that physique glides through the air. Your body rewards you with a certain feeling inside, and you consider whether or not you stack up to that person.

No matter what, some people of particular sizes and shapes will consistently attract more attention and status.

The ideal male body image: Symmetrical and athletic, with legs sculpted by Michelangelo.

A piece of art

A piece of art

Let’s face it, Most guys would prefer to have a toned physique — not too much muscle — just with the right proportions. So WHY aren’t most guys Fit like David?

Increased muscle is an evolutionary signal for good genetics, resourcefulness, and high Testosterone levels.

For men, the really attractive traits are the most costly to develop. But the attainment of muscle is much different than Gucci clothes and a legit Rolex.

Muscle is costly from a resource, genetic and metabolic perspective:

  • The ultimate limit of muscle is largely determined by good Genetics.
  • Heavy body weight, comprised mostly of lean muscle, requires significantly greater calories and nutrients Every Single Day.
  • Spending time in the gym relates to opportunity costs.
  • MOVING HEAVY WEIGHTS HAS POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY

Yet, every day I see a new kid in the weight room. He’s well intentioned, but for the most part clueless about how much effort it takes to gain 20 pounds of muscle.

Does the media create unrealistic expectations of men?

Probably. But lets get one thing clear: Muscle is possible for nearly every healthy guy — the ONLY people who fail to gain muscle are those who stop trying.

Muscle is costly, and therefore it is valuable. Increased status and attractiveness also benefit muscular guys through career, personal life, and overall wellbeing. Becoming fit is an investment that increases your ultimate winnings.

Why people seek muscle:

  • Improved athletic performance for sport
  • Some professions require a larger build
  • Confidence booster
  • Feeling comfortable in own body
  • Status boost in interpersonal communication
  • Because it’s manly

Type of people that actually reach their ideal physique:

  1. Are you able to push past your comfort zone to find more efficient ways to reach goals?
  2. Do you take an interest in researching healthy nutrition & lifestyle habits?
  3. Have you dropped expectations of transforming your body overnight?
  4. Eating healthy 90% of the time — is this possible for you?
  5. Will you continue reading this Blog?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you are well on your way to developing a respectable physique.

Blog & Personality