Why Girls Like Muscles: 41 Reasons [& Pictures]

Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide on why women love muscles! 

This mammoth 16,000+ word article is jam-packed with insights from dozens of studies including thousands of participants. 

I cover everything from decoding the ideal male physique that captivates and seduces women to exploring the emotional powerhouse behind their love for muscular men. 

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! 

We will debunk myths,

Explore the history of female attraction to male muscularity,

And even delve into how environmental and cultural factors shape women's desire for muscles. 

But don't worry, I've got your back with killer pictures, diagrams, and graphs to help you make sense of it all. 

Get ready for a wild ride - and don't blame me if you become a gym addict!

 Pro Tip: 

Want to get straight to the good stuff? 

Check out the table of contents below to jump to the juiciest chapters:

Or click this button:

Female Desire: The Direct Ways Male Muscularity Captivates Women

Have you ever wondered why women find muscular men so irresistible? 

It turns out that the answer lies in our evolutionary past. 

Muscles have long been associated with strength, health, and reproductive fitness, making them a powerful signal of genetic quality to potential mates. 

But what exactly is it about a muscular physique that makes women weak in the knees? 

In this chapter, we dive deep into the science of attraction to explore the direct ways in which male muscularity makes men more desirable to the opposite sex. From primal instincts to modern preferences, you'll discover the fascinating secrets behind this timeless aspect of human sexuality. 

Get ready to have your mind - and your muscles - blown.

1. Inside Her Mind: What Women Really Want in Men

Let's dive into why women are attracted to muscles by taking a look at some not-so-boring evolutionary psychology to get to the heart of female sexual strategies.

You see, evolutionary psychology tells us that our behavior – from emotions to actions – is shaped by natural selection and adaptation to the environments of our ancestors. 

Sounds simple, right?

But hold on – when we're talking about female behavior, specifically in terms of reproduction, things... get a bit more complex. 

Why, you ask? 

It turns out that the female reptilian brain has evolved to adopt:

The Dual Mating Strategy.

The Dual Mating Strategy means that women go after two different types of mates, depending on what their reproductive goals are at the time:

1. A Short-Term Mate Who Has High Genetic Quality
2. A Long-Term Mate Who Has High Resource Potential

Let’s discuss each one.

1.1 - A Short-Term Mate Who Has High Genetic Quality 

First up, a potential mate should have great genes for offspring survival.

Signs of this may include:

1. Muscularity
2. High libido
3. Variety 
4. Symmetry 
5. Adventure 
6. Dominance 

And other markers of top-notch genetics.

1.2 - A Long-Term Mate Who Has High Resource Potential

Second on the list, a potential mate should be ready and able to provide resources for their offspring.

Signs of this may include: 

1. Muscularity 
2. Wealth
3. Trustworthiness
4. Stability
5. Status 
6. Kindness and generosity 

And other traits that signal willingness and ability to invest in offspring.

Or, to quote directly from a study titled: Cues of Upper Body Strength Account for Most of The Variance in Men's Bodily Attractiveness:

This recurrent pattern has led to two selection pressures highly active on mammalian females: (i) securing a mate with good genetic quality so as to package your own genes with those that will enhance the survival and reproduction of your offspring, and (ii) securing a mate who is able and willing to provide investment to you and your offspring

You'll notice these 2 mate requirements can clash (or 'overlap', depending on your perspective):

• Short-term mates focus on dominance and inseminating fertile women.
• Long-term mates prioritize social cohesion and caring for offspring.

So, we're left with a dilemma: 

How do women fulfill their dual mating strategy needs? 

Let's explore a few theories.

1.3 - The Ovulatory Shift Hypothesis

Ovulation is this brief 12 to 24-hour period in the 28-day menstrual cycle when a ripe egg (or ‘ovum’) pops out of the ovary. It heads to the fallopian tube, where it’s all set to meet up with sperm and be fertilized for about 12-24 hours. [1]

Right around 3 days before and after ovulation, girls get a hormone boost with estradiol and luteinizing hormone levels shooting up. [2, 3]

This greatly raises their libido.

Who knew science class could be so fun, right? 

Anyway, let's keep moving—I don't want you snoozing through my explanation!

The Ovulatory Shift Hypothesis suggests that a woman's mate preferences, based on a man's genetic goodness and resource potential, change with her ovulation status. 

This “Ovulatory Shift” helps her balance her dual mating strategy:

1. During infertile phases (menstruation, follicular, and luteal), women lean toward long-term mates with resource potential. This ups the odds of getting solid parental investment and support for their kids.
2. During the fertile phase (ovulation, to be exact), women might briefly shift their preferences to short-term mates with top-notch genes. This boosts their chances of having healthy, good-looking offspring in that prime baby-making window.

But hey, it's not just about general male preference shifts. 

Here's a list of 12 other behavioral changes that align with the Ovulatory Shift Hypothesis (backed up by research, of course):

As my last example shows, women dig different levels of muscularity throughout their cycle. We'll get to why that's important soon, but for now, let's chat about the last two ways ladies balance their dual mating strategies.

(And yeah, I know it's a bit off-topic, but it's cool and it's my blog, so who cares?)

1.4 - Dangerous Liaisons: The Untold Reality of Cheating 

While it’s completely unethical, a surprising number of women find their stable long term partner and satisfy their short term partner needs by simply cheating. 

Depending on how you source the statistics, and how you define infidelity (as pointed out by HeTexted.com’s cheating statistics) and whether you believe self-reporting (especially in this context), about 54 percent of women cheat on their partners and 5-10 percent of men end up unknowingly raising a child that is not theirs. [14, 15, 16]

Of course, this behavior is limited to risk tolerant women as it risks detection, retaliation, and loss of resources from the long-term mate.

PS

Because many girls are secretly cheating, I always encourage my coaching clients not to walk away simply because a girl 'mentions' having a boyfriend. 

Here's my viewpoint:

If she shares her relationship status with you right at the beginning of your approach, it's better to walk away.

On the other hand, if she actively participates in an enjoyable conversation and appears receptive to your teasing, only to bring up her boyfriend when you go for the number, don't 'self-eject'. 

Instead, humorously claim that you also have a boyfriend or playfully inquire about the seriousness of her relationship before asking once more.

Keep in mind, it's essential to always be socially aware and respectful. If she rejects your advances, gracefully step back.

1.5 -The Single Mate Compromise 

The Single Mate Compromise is the most common solution to satisfying the dale mating strategy especially in conservative cultures: women making the compromise to stick with one man for the rest of their life. 

Does it work and provide stability? 

Yes.

But are they happy and would they cheat if they knew they wouldn’t get caught?

Well some are happy, but about 68% of women say they would have an affair if they knew they wouldn’t get caught. [17]

And after learning about the dual mating strategy, none of these statistics should surprise you.

1.6 - The Age Split Solution

Lastly, we have The Age Split Solution which is when young women (ages 18-27) have their party years or ‘hoe phase’ when their desire for short term mating is strongest and then settle down in their early thirties to satisfy they’re long term mating strategy. 

We'll chat more about this "solution/compromise" later in the guide and see how a woman's age can affect how hot she finds muscles.

1.7 - Additional notes 

Alright, before we dive into how being fit fits into the whole two-sided dating game and what women generally dig, here are a few things I think you'll find pretty cool:

1. We talked about the whole dual dating strategy thing from an evolutionary psych angle, but it's kinda controversial, so you should do your own research too.
2. Because of concepts like Hidden Ovulation and women feeling kinda awkward about their sexual desires, it's super hard to really know what women want – even with science backing us up. And for our topic, figuring out why specifically muscles are so hot is tough. I'll do my best to give you the right info in this guide, but I can't swear everything's spot on.
3. Men also seem to have a similar dating game going on, even if it's not studied as much. They look for a long-term girl for bonding and a short-term one for some variety! [18]

Now let’s take everything we’ve learnt about female sexuality and plug it into our topic to understand why muscular men are more attractive:

2. Muscles Signal Abundant Resource Potential

Muscularity in guys is this cool trait that shows both high resource potential and great genes at the same time, even though they usually don't mix! 

But how?

Well, let's break down how being muscular signals high resource potential:

1. Having muscles shows ladies that a guy had the time and resources to build them in the first place.
2. Men are 7% taller on average, with about 61% more muscle mass and 90% greater upper body strength than women (not even considering pregnancy). So, it makes sense that women look for strong, muscular guys who can protect them and their children from dangers like wild animals, natural disasters, or other aggressive people. We humans can size up someone's strength and ability to fight by checking out their muscles, especially in areas like the chest, shoulders, and arms. This ability developed over time because competing for resources and partners was crucial back in the day. That's why having muscles is attractive to women – they know you can stand your ground and help their kids succeed. [19, 20, 21]

This considerable resourcefulness potential is also the primary reason why women find men with practical skills appealing, including electricians, those adept at fixing vehicles, woodworking enthusiasts, cabin builders, furniture makers, and wooden bench crafters - with a special emphasis on plumbers!

3. Muscularity Signals Superior Genetic Makeup

Here's how being muscular also shows off some top-notch genes:

1. Rocking those muscles means you're good at fighting off parasites and diseases, or else you wouldn't be able to bulk up like that. [22]
2. Muscles are linked to a lower risk of chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
3. Being buff shows you can compete with other guys for the most desirable women.
4. Muscles and testosterone go hand in hand. More muscles generally means more testosterone. But having loads of testosterone isn't just a walk in the park. It can actually stress out your immune system and cause other serious health issues. However, if you're still muscular and healthy, it shows you've got some seriously amazing genes. [23, 24, 25]
5. Having lean muscle mass, especially those visible abs, is an even better sign of high testosterone since it helps you have both a lot of muscle and low body fat.
6. Low testosterone can lead to problems like erectile dysfunction, low sperm count and quality, and a decreased sex drive. So when a guy's muscles show he's got healthy testosterone levels, it also means he's got the goods in the bedroom department, which is definitely a plus. [26]

Unraveling The Enigma: Decoding The Ideal Male Physique That Captivates Girls

Picture this: a rockin' male body that turns heads and makes hearts race. The kind of physique that's a magnet for attraction, whether it's a casual fling or a long-term love. 

If only we could crack the code to that perfect form! 

Well, get ready, because in this super engaging chapter, we're diving into the world of the ideal, most attractive male body type that has women swooning in both short- and long-term relationships.

We'll explore the secret sauce behind the golden ratio and other legendary proportions that have been enchanting people for centuries. 

We'll also take a peek at the male body types that aren't winning any popularity contests, giving you the scoop on what to avoid when working on your own physique.

And, of course, we'll hit you with a comprehensive rundown of the most attractive muscles on a man, complete with juicy explanations for each. From the mighty biceps that scream power, to the chiseled abs that ooze sex appeal, we'll break it all down and reveal the magic behind these eye-catching features.

So get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the irresistible world of the ultimate male physique, mixing ancient wisdom with modern insight. 

By the end of this chapter, you'll have the inside track on sculpting a body that's not just good-looking, but absolutely magnetic. 

Let's get this party started!

4. Sculpted to Perfection: The Ultimate, Most Attractive Male Body Type 

There are many, many scientific studies on male muscularity and female preference so naturally there will be conflicting results about the ideal male body type!

Let's check out two studies that say women prefer prefer men with moderate muscularity:

1. In a study titled Why Is Muscularity Sexy, the authors found that women rated men with moderate muscularity as more attractive than men with low or high muscularity (although it varied depending on their own attractiveness, relationship status, and hormonal cycle).
2. In a study titled The Evolutionary Psychology Of Physical Attractiveness, the authors found that women perceive a moderately developed torso as most attractive suggesting that women prefer men with a moderate amount of upper body musculature, rather than extremely muscular physiques.

So, it seems like women aren't really into those super jacked guys after all…

But now, let's look at the flip side—two studies that show women actually like guys with high muscularity over low or moderate muscle levels:

1. In the study called "Cues Of Upper Body Strength Account For Most Of The Variance In Men's Bodily Attractiveness," the authors discovered that signs of strength and formidability make up 70% of what makes a guy attractive, and there's no drop in attractiveness when it comes to really muscular men.
2. Next up, we've got "Studies Of Human Physique And Sexual Attractiveness: Sexual Preferences Of Men And Women In China." This study had 631 people (311 guys and 320 gals), and guess what? The women found super strong guys more attractive than those with low or moderate muscle levels. And this isn't just a China thing—it lines up with research done in Western countries too.

So, at first glance, it looks like there's no real agreement on what makes the perfect male body when it comes to female attraction. 

Different studies have found different preferences and effects!

However, I disagree with this inconclusive view.

You might remember in the intro of this article (you didn't skip it, right!?) we talked about the female dual mating strategy. 

Well, turns out there's a pretty straightforward answer to this whole "what's the perfect male body type?" debate, and science has got our back:

Women have evolved to chase two different types of guys, and these types have different ideal body types:

1. Ideal Male Body Type for Short-Term Partners

2. Ideal Male Body Type for Long-Term Partners

Let’s discuss: 

4.1 - The Attractive Alpha: The Ideal Male Body Type for Short-Term Partners

When women are on the hunt for a short-term partner with good genes, they're more into guys with high muscularity (way more than low or moderate muscle levels). 

This is because bulging muscles signal high-quality genetics and a bad-boy vibe—traits like aggression, lower social status, health risks, and unpredictability (especially if steroids are involved). But these traits aren't so great for long-term partners, where women want faithfulness, emotional intimacy, and stability.

Some studies back this up, too:

1. In "Body Image and Body Type Preferences in St. Kitts, Caribbean: A Cross-Cultural Comparison with U.S. Samples regarding Attitudes towards Muscularity, Body Fat, and Breast Size," women consistently preferred muscular men for short-term relationships.
2. Another study, "Heterosexual Women Rate Perceived Anabolic Steroid-Using Men as Less Attractive for Long-Term Romantic Relationships," found that women perceived muscular men who use anabolic steroids as less attractive for long-term relationships. However, there wasn't a clear preference for short-term partners.

4.2 - The Committed Companion: The Ideal Male Body Type for Long-Term Partnerships

When women are searching for a long-term partner who can provide resources and protection, they tend to prefer a guy with moderate muscularity. This body type signals high-resource potential traits like the strength to gather resources, protect their offspring, and all those other reasons and studies we mentioned earlier.

So, in the end, it turns out that women might be attracted to different male body types depending on whether they're looking for a fun, short-term fling or a more serious, long-lasting relationship.

Mystery solved!

4.3 - The Ideal Ratios For An Attractive Male Physique

Below are several ratios which can be used to calculate the ideal ratios for an attractive male physique. 

Keep in mind that these are only guidelines and should not be taken too seriously. 

The Harmonious Hunk: The Ideal Male Body Type Based on The Golden Ratio

So, get this: research has found that guys with a high shoulder to hip ratio tend to report earlier masturbation, having sex at an earlier age, more sexual partners, and more flings. [27] 

Crazy, huh? 

But, just telling you to aim for a high shoulder to hip ratio isn't enough for me. 

I want to dive deeper and find out what the ideal ratio is by exploring the universal "golden ratio":

The Golden Ratio, approximately equal to 1.6, is a mathematical constant that has fascinated people for centuries due to its unique properties and its perceived aesthetic appeal. 

It is believed to appear in various contexts, such as art (in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo), architecture (in ancient structures, such as Parthenon in Greece, Great Pyramid of Giza), geometry (such as the golden rectangle, golden triangle), and nature (in growth patterns of certain mollusk shells, shape of galaxies). 

There are many debates about the golden ratio’s validity, however, some have taken the golden ratio and applied it to the male physique calling it The Adonis Golden Ratio or The Adonis Index (naming it after Adonis, the Greek God of beauty and attraction).

And it’s actually quite simple: have your shoulders 1.6 times wider than your waist or 1:1.6.

Use the following tool to calculate your Adonis index. The closer to 1:1.6, the better.

The Steve Reeves Ratios

In my opinion, Steeve Reeves had one of best male physiques in bodybuilding and acting of all time. 

And in his book, Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way, he laid out what he believed were the most attractive, ideal male physique proportions: 

1. Arm size = 252% of wrist size
2. Calf size = 192% of ankle size
3. Neck Size = 79% of head size
4. Chest Size = 148% of hips size
5. Waist size = 86% of hips size
6. Thigh size = 175% of knee size

The Ideal Waist-To-Chest Ratio 

Studies show that in relation to body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, the most important factor for a guy's attractiveness is the waist-to-chest ratio - accounting for up to 56%! [28, 29]

Now, whether the waist to chest ratio or waist to shoulders ratio (or The Adonis Golden Ratio) is more important, I don’t know!

However, according to Viren Swami PhD, you should aim for a waist-to-chest ratio of about 1:1.4 and according to BroScience™, your chest should be 10 - 12 inches larger than your waist.

The Ideal Height-To-Waist Ratio

Without getting too geeky, it seems like the healthiest, most attractive height-to-waist ratio is less than half or around 45%. [30]

Use the following calculator to find your height-to-waist ratio:

The Ideal Waist-To-Hip Ratio

There’s some discussion about what the ideal male waist-to-hip ratio should be: 0.80, 0.90 or even 0.90-0.95! [28, 31, 32]

Use this calculator to get your waist-to-hip ratio and choose whatever looks best on you:

I will add that I don’t think about these ratios at all and frankly, trusting in crap like this is like a recipe for depression, anxiety, and hating your body…

Plus, we already know the only true ideal ratio is 😉 

10% luck
20% skill
15% concentrated power of will
5% pleasure
50% pain
And a 100% reason to remember the name

4.4 - Most Unattractive Male Body Types

While keeping everything in mind, it’s unsurprising that the most unattractive body types are: overly muscular and skinny. Let’s go through each:

Unattractive Overly Muscular Male Body Type 

Look at this body builder:

Or this:

It’s totally unattractive. Bigger does not always equal better!

And multiple studies support this: as you become more and more muscular, you end up with an inverted U-effect. [33, 34]

But forget the attraction aspect. If you overtrain, you're in for a world of hurt! 

Here are some of the not-so-great things that can happen:

1. Messed-up hormones: Overtraining can mess with stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, making you feel all out of whack. You might get emotional, have trouble focusing, feel super cranky, get depressed, and even have trouble sleeping.
2. No appetite: Normally, exercise makes you hungry, but too much can have the opposite effect. You might lose your appetite and struggle to keep weight on.
3. Rhabdomyolysis: Overdoing it can cause rhabdomyolysis, where your muscles break down and release harmful stuff like myoglobin into your bloodstream. This can damage your organs, especially your kidneys.
4. Shorter life: Believe it or not, having too much muscle can actually shorten your life! Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have a lot to do with this. If you have lower levels of these hormones, you might actually live longer.
5. More injuries: Overtraining can make your muscles imbalanced and stiff, which makes injuries more likely. Watch out for sore muscles, heavy arms and legs, and a higher resting heart rate - they're all signs that you're pushing yourself too hard. [35, 36, 37]

Unattractive Skinny Male Body Type 

And I don’t think I’ll need to explain why either of the following skinny body types are unattractive:

After considering all the available information, the consensus is that muscular men are deemed the most attractive, followed by slim men, and lastly, super muscular men are perceived as the least attractive.

5. The Anatomy of Attraction: Women’s Favorite Muscles on Men

Overall, researchers found that estimates of physical strength accounted for over 70% of men’s bodily attractiveness, but which muscles make the biggest difference? [34]

Let’s discuss! 

1. Upper Body Muscles

Pop culture has always been obsessed with male upper body strength. 

Whether it's in a music video like 50 Cent's "In Da Club," a Hollywood blockbuster like "Wolverine," or an exotic men's dance show like Seoul's "Wild, Wild Dream": 

And there's a good reason for it: 

Studies show that women prefer upper body muscles over lower body muscles across the board, as they're understandably the number one predictor of fighting ability and resource gathering success. [38, 34, 39, 21]

1. Hunting: You need strong upper body muscles to throw spears or rocks at animals you're hunting or to use bows and arrows. [40]
2. Fighting: When it comes to punching, wrestling, or grappling with other guys or predators, upper body strength is key
3. Lifting: Lifting heavy stuff, like animal carcasses or tools, requires some solid upper body strength 

But don't think you can just skip leg day - chicken legs aren't attractive either! 

2. Chest Muscles

Dr. David Lewis, in his book Impulse: Why We Do What We Do Without Knowing It (pg 117), discusses how he used his laboratory’s eye tracking technology to examine how men and women look at one another’s bodies - by the millisecond.

The results are fascinating.

When viewing a woman in a bikini, men would look at (in chronological order):

1. Thighs and buttocks 
2. Groin
3. Breasts 
4. Neck
5. Breasts (twice)
6. Abdomen (three times)
7. Legs (4 times)
8. Groin

On the other hand, women viewed the man very differently (in chronological order):

1. Face
2. Chest (twice)
3. Abdomens 
4. Just above groin 
5. Chest 
6. Left arm (twice)
7. Right arm (twice)
8. Left armpit  
9. Torse (twice)
10. Just above groin 
11. Left arm
12. Face 

As you can see, the chest is very one of the first and most visited places that women look at. 

But Dr. David Lewis is not alone.

In another study, researchers found that when women first checked a guy out, they first looked at the chest, then the head, midriff, and finally, the lower body parts. [41]

As you can see, in combination with these last 2 studies and the science about the ideal male waist to chest ratio, we have ample evidence to claim that a well developed chest is very attractive to women.

3. Abs And Obliques 

No one disagrees that abs are super sexy.

And research backs this up

When people were asked about the muscles that make guys more attractive, both men and women agreed on 8 muscle groups with over 50% "yes" responses: obliques, abdominals, glutes, deltoids, shoulders, triceps, pectoralis, and biceps. 

But as you can see, the abdominals were so important that they got mentioned twice! [39]

But why are abs seen as the universal sex symbol? Why do girls like abs? 

In one of Gravity Transformation YouTube videos about the most attractive male muscles, they make the claim that abs are attractive because it’s a sign of a healthy BMI which increases fertility.

And while I believe it may play it’s own part, I believe there are much bigger factors at play:

1. As mentioned earlier, having visible abdominals and lean muscle in general is a great sign of testosterone which signals genetic fitness (which makes visible abs especially important if you’re looking for short term relationships).
2. Having well sculpted abdominals in getting the all right ratios we discussed earlier
3. Generally speaking, women find muscles that are hard to build more attractive than muscles that are easier to build. And because abdominals are very hard to develop, they are seen as more attractive. (I believe the reasoning is quite simple: women don’t want to waste their precious eggs with a man who’s feigned the signs of genetic or resource fitness so they search for the indicators of genetic or resource fitness which are most difficult to forge.) [39]
4. From an evolutionary point of view, I also believe that having strong abs was super important for our ancestors to protect their whole midsection. Without tough abs, it wouldn't take much to seriously damage their vital organs!
5. Because abs are so difficult to maintain, they may also signal discipline which is critical trait to affective resource gathering 
6. Finally, taking into account all the reasons mentioned earlier, abs have evolved into a cultural representation of "sexiness," making them even more attractive to women.

I’ll add that it’s not just about eating a massive salad every day and losing weight. It’s about being buff AND having abs. 

Skinny with abs is not sexy.

And finally, one little 'drawback' of abs is that, unlike arm muscles, they can be pretty hard to show off in everyday life, unless you take your shirt off. Just like in this YouTube video where Marco Trunzo asks college girls if abs matter:

4. Shoulders And Traps

Ladies love a dude with a solid set of shoulders, but why? [42]

There's actually some science behind it. 

So, we all have these tiny protein machines called androgen receptors in our cells. 

And guess where they're more abundant? 

Yep, you guessed it, in the shoulder muscles of men! 

These receptors are like little responders to male hormones, like testosterone, which help beef up and maintain muscle mass. 

So, if a guy has jacked shoulders, it means he's got higher levels of androgen receptors and testosterone, which is a turn-on for women for all the reasons we talked about earlier. [43]

To workout your shoulders completely, you’ll have to hit all three parts: anterior (front) deltoid, medial (side) deltoid, and posterior (rear) deltoid and here’s how:

1. Anterior deltoid: shoulder press, front raise, arnold press, and incline bench front raise
2. Medial deltoid: lateral raise, upright row, seated dumbbell press, and cable lateral raise
3. Posterior deltoid: reverse fly, bent-over lateral raise, face pull, and rear deltoid raise

5. Back Muscles 

The main reason why back muscles are attractive is because back muscles (especially the latissimus dorsi) contribute to that V-taper shaped torso which enhances the waist to shoulder ratio we discussed earlier. 

6. Arm Muscles 

Are big arms attractive?

The answer is a resounding YES!

As we saw with Dr. David Lewis, in the timespan of just several milliseconds, women looked back at arms a total of 5 times!

Now, why are arm muscles so darn attractive? 

Well, there are a few reasons:

1. Your arms are crucial to upper body strength. You could have super-strong upper body muscles, but without strong arms to help you harness that strength, those muscles are pretty much useless.
2. Without exogenous testosterone it’s almost impossible for women to develop large biceps which makes arms muscles sexually dimorphic and a sign of high testosterone.
3. Arms are one of the few places where you can show off a strong sign of lean muscle mass: veins popping out of your arms. (Granted not all women find veins attractive.)
4. Just like how abs have become a cultural sign of sexiness, strong arms have become the universal sign of power, making them even more attractive to women

Simple example of that being the music video for Get Back by Ludacris and the famous "We Can Do It!" poster (below).

When working out the arms, just make sure you hit all the muscles - especially the triceps as it makes up 70% of your arm size:

1. Triceps: long head, lateral head, and medial head.
2. Biceps: long head and short head.
3. Forearms: brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi radialis.

7. Glutes

Yes, I know we’ve been hating on lower body muscles, but just like guys like girls with big, round glutes:

Girls love them too!

Here are just some reasons:

1. Glutes and other leg muscles were especially useful to our ancestors in escaping from danger and pursuing prey with running and jumping making them signs of genetic and resource fitness. [39]
2. Glutes make awesome sex possible by allowing men to thrust deep and stabilize themselves. It’s the ultimate Love Muscle! 
3. Highly developed glutes can also signal high testosterone levels and lower parental investment like any large muscles making women prefer men with large glutes for short term relationships 
4. Generally speaking, a nice ass adds a nice balance and sexy curves to the male body

You'll need to put in some serious effort with deep squats and hip thrusters, but hey, we're in luck – big calves aren't really a big deal when it comes to attracting the ladies. 

On a side note, I gotta say, my own calves are looking pretty good!

But it all goes with saying that the most attractive muscle of a man to women is Walletceps, also known as ‘The Wallet Muscle™’

Okay, I’m only half kidding haha. 

Anyways, here's an nice infographic summarizing the most attractive male muscles:

Muscle Mastery: The Guide To Maximizing Your Attractiveness

Ready to unleash your full potential and build the kind of muscles that girls go crazy for? 

Look no further. 

This chapter is packed with the most effective workouts, nutrition strategies, and mindset shifts to help you succeed.

But that's not all. 

We'll also cover how to maximize your attractiveness as a muscular guy, from grooming tips to fashion advice. 

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, this chapter has everything you need to become the ultimate muscular man.

Let's get started.

6. Tips and Tricks for Building the Muscles That Drive Girls Wild

6.1 - Lose Weight

Firstly, use this basic calculator to find out your body fat percentage:

And like I always tell my coaching clients, if you're rocking a body fat percentage of 25% or higher, focus on shedding some pounds too by designing a calorie deficit diet using the tool below:

6.2 - Gain Muscle

Now here’s the workout routine I recommend: PPL (or Push-Pull-Legs) for 3 times a week:

Day 1: Push (chest, shoulders, triceps) 

• Bench press: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Incline dumbbell press: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Overhead press: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Lateral raises: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Triceps pushdown: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Dumbbell skullcrushers: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 2: Rest

Day 3: Pull (back, biceps, forearms)

• Pull-ups: 3 sets of as many reps as possible
• Barbell row: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Dumbbell row: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Face pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Barbell curl: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Hammer curl: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 4: Rest

Day 5: Legs (quads, hamstrings, calves)

• Squat: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Romanian deadlift: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Leg press: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Leg curl: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
• Calf raise: 4 sets of 15-20 reps

Day 6 and 7: Rest

I like this routine for several reasons:

1. You can focus on one part of your body each time which makes it less time consuming and warming up much easier 
2. Gives plenty of time to rest and recover preventing any burnout 
3. Doesn’t take over your life allowing plenty of time to do your own thing 

Here's an overview of my workout routine:

And here's a PDF copy of this routine.

If you have another workout program that works for you or think I could improve this routine, let me know in the comments - I read each and every one of them 😉

7. How to Maximize Your Attractiveness as a Muscular Guy

I noticed not many blogs talk about using muscles to look more attractive. 

Well, there are actually lots of ways to do it:

• Pick clothes that suit your body and style, but don't go too tight or revealing, or it might seem like you're trying too hard. (I'm dealing with this right now 'cause I've got shirts from before I lost 15kg and gained muscle. Time for new summer clothes, I guess! 😄)
• Choose clothing colors that contrast with your skin tone, making your muscles pop even more.
• For photos, use body sweat or a bit of baby oil to show off muscle definition. A tan can help too.
• Position your light source above and a bit to the side to highlight those muscles.
• Learn to pose and flex your muscles to make them look more prominent.
• Add accessories like wristbands and necklaces to draw attention to your muscles.
• Share pics of your workouts on social media, wearing cool workout gear to create that buff image.
• Team up with a pro photographer to use tricks like forced perspective, the right background colors, and some light photo editing.
• In spring or fall, rock a big leather jacket for a strong upper body look.

• Even though women might have lower expectations for muscular men in short-term relationships, like trustworthiness or emotional closeness (which matter more in long-term relationships), it's crucial to strike a balance to boost your attractiveness! A simple approach is to show off your fit body as a sign of good genes, while also using your strength for positive purposes, like charity events, to signal you're a caring and supportive partner. [33]
• Join sports teams to display your athleticism, adventurous spirit, and maybe even leadership skills.
• Playfully fight or arm wrestle your friends (or other girls) to highlight your strength without being overly competitive
• Don't let your muscles define you. Show off your other hobbies, interests, values, and goals. Ditch the serious gym vibe. Smile, be friendly, humble, and approachable.
• Sport a gym-themed bracelet to show you're part of a fitness crew.
• If you've got to wear long sleeves (ugh!), roll 'em up to show off your forearms.
• Use your strong upper body to maintain good posture (I know it's tough, especially for tall guys like me).
• On a date, stretch out your muscles and take up more space. Think alpha male body language. It’s very dominant as long as you don’t overdo it. 
• Give a strong bear hug or a gentle massage to your date so that she can feel your muscles and create a deeper level of intimacy. 
• Swing girls around or offer them a shoulder ride. You're not just showing off your muscles, but giving them a fun, thrilling experience! Trust me, when I do this, most girls feel way more comfortable around me and the resistance melts away.

Initially, I created this valuable list specifically for my coaching clients who were unaware of how effortlessly they could enhance their attractiveness as men. However, I've decided to share it with all of my readers as well - like you!

The Surprising, Indirect Ways Muscles Make Guys More Desirable To Girls

In this chapter, we'll explore the indirect ways that a muscular physique can enhance a guy's desirability:

From being better in bed to increasing social status, and even how muscles can even make guys look more beautiful.

So, whether you're looking to enhance your sex appeal or improve your overall attractiveness, this chapter has got you covered. 

Ready to learn more? 

Let's dive in.

8. The Zen of Muscles: The Link Between Muscles and Calmness in Attracting Girls

Here's why hitting the weights can make you seem calmer and more attractive to girls:

1. Pumping iron boosts testosterone and other hormones that fight stress hormones like cortisol.
2. Weightlifting helps your body adapt to stress over time, releasing less cortisol in all environments. 
3. Cardio or HIIT workouts get you breathing heavily, which also lowers stress levels.
4. Lifting weights can improve your sleep quality and duration, lowering cortisol levels even more.

The funny thing is, when you consider all these reasons, the best motivation to work out isn't just to impress girls, but to boost your mental health and keep your sanity.

9. The Link Between Muscle Mass and Sexual Performance

Everyone's curious if muscular guys are better in bed, and the answer is, well, yeah! 

Here's why:

1. Muscular dudes can thrust longer thanks to their strength and cardiovascular health. Girls might not realize that going at it for just 10 minutes can be exhausting!
2. Buff guys have more muscle mass, making it easier to move around their partners and switch up positions. Plus, they might be more flexible, which helps too.
3. Three-in-one: With healthier testosterone levels, muscular men usually have a higher libido, better sperm quality (leading to more pregnancies), and stronger erections. But, if they're using steroids or other similar supplements, this might not be true.
4. Muscular guys often feel more confident in bed since they know they look hot and have more sexual experience. But, some might still feel anxious under pressure to perform.
5. Buff dudes tend to be more dominant, which many girls find irresistible.

And here's a nice infographic summary of why muscular guys are better in bed:

10. Exploring the Correlation Between Muscularity and Perceived Social Dominance

Being a muscular man, you'll definitely grab more attention and respect. But the real game-changer is the higher social status you gain, as people see you as someone who can get resources and influence others. 

At this point, I'm pretty sure I don't need to explain why those two traits are super attractive to ladies!

11. Building Muscle Reduces Intersexual Competition

Simply speaking, at the gym or wherever they choose to meet pretty girls, muscular men dominate intrasexual male competition leaving them with more women to choose from! [44] 

Read this super, duper, awesome guide I put together recently:

22 Smooth Steps To Approach Girls At The Bar [& 34 Practical Examples]

I know it's pretty random, but I'm sure you'll like it...maybe even more than this one! 

...And if you don't like it, let me know in the comments haha

12. Physical Strength Indicates Conscientiousness

Rocking a chiseled body sends a message that you're ambitious, take good care of yourself, and are conscious of your actions—all signs of parental investment!

12. Muscularity Improves Perceived Height

Being muscular can be like being taller—it gives you a bigger physical presence and makes you stand out more and everyone knows women like tall guys!

(Although, if you ask nicely in the comments, I'll write an article about why girls like tall guys.)

13. Muscularity Improves Perceived Beauty

Sporting lean muscle mass can naturally boost your natural beauty by giving you a symmetrical appearance, a well-proportioned body shape, and a sharper jawline thanks to lower body fat levels.

Strong Attraction: The Emotional Powerhouse Behind Women’s Love For Muscular Men

Emotions play a secret role behind women crushing on muscular men! 

From the Halo Effect to girls feeling extra feminine around big guys and the confidence boost muscles bring, muscles pack a punch in the attraction game even before we start talking about the power of social proof!

Let's explore the emotional side of women's love for those gym-obsessed hunks!

14. How the Halo Effect Can Boost The Female Allure for Muscularity 

The halo effect is when someone's overall vibe about a person or thing is swayed by just one specific feature. 

For muscularity, the halo effect can be positive since people might think a muscular guy is not only strong but also confident, skilled, and a leader, which are all super attractive to ladies. 

But, there's a downside too - people might see muscled dudes as more aggressive, not as smart, not so friendly, and maybe just eye candy, instead of real people with their own unique personalities and skills - which are all unattractive traits in a potential a long term partner. 

15. Muscles Makes Girls Feel Emotions

if you've checked out my detailed guide on 74 ways to tease girls, you'll remember this golden nugget:

“When it comes to girls, be anything, just don’t be boring.”

The awesome thing is, having a fit body or crazy strength can trigger all kinds of good emotions in girls (like admiration, desire, excitement, and even arousal) as well as some not-so-good ones (like fear, jealousy, feeling intimidated, or anxious).

So become that badass, bad boy who takes girls on thrilling emotional roller coaster rides!

16. Muscles Make You Happier

Getting buff can boost your happiness in loads of ways:

1. Muscular men tend to have more partners and hook up with married ladies more than skinny guys. [33]
2. They often get more respect from their buddies.
3. They usually take good care of their health (exercising, sleeping, eating, etc.).
4. Hitting the gym releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals, and since buff guys work out a lot, they're swimming in good vibes.
5. Building muscle means setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and seeing results, which can boost self-esteem and self-efficacy, making them more upbeat about life.
6. Regular exercise keeps testosterone levels healthy, which helps maintain a good mood. Low T can lead to feeling down in the dumps or even having suicidal thoughts! [45]

And like I mentioned in my guide to keeping your girl happy, ladies dig happy, positive guys. It's not just about attractiveness – it makes them feel good too!

17. Muscles Make Girls Feel Girly 

Ever thought about why girls dig cute, girly nicknames like Peachie, Kitty, Freckles, or Baby Boo? (Check out the full list of cute nicknames here.)

Figured it out?

Hint: It’s the same reason why many girls like a powerful man dominating them in bed. 

Got the answer?

It's because it makes them feel ultra-cute, tinier, and more feminine – and being a beefy guy next to her petite frame has the same impact, whether you're just holding hands, snuggling, or wrapping her up in a big bear hug!

18. Muscular Guys Are More Confident

There are tons of reasons why a killer bod can seriously boost your confidence with ladies:

1. All the stuff we mentioned earlier about how muscles make guys happier also helps them feel more confident (getting laid more often, getting more respect, having higher self-esteem, and so on).
2. Unless they've got some emotional baggage, buff guys don't need my super long advice on affirmations to feel attractive. They just whip off their shirts, check themselves out in the mirror, and see the goods with their own eyes!
3. From an evolutionary psychology angle, a strong dude's primal brain feels more relaxed knowing he can fend off any threats with his sheer strength.
4. Better first impressions: while skinny guys can make up for their looks with charisma, buff guys automatically make a good impression without saying a word.
5. In general, muscles make you seem more masculine. Maybe it's no coincidence that "muscle" and "masculine" sound kinda similar. But fun fact: they don't actually share the same root. "Muscle" comes from the Latin word "musculus," which means "mouse," because some muscles (like biceps) were thought to look and move like mice. "Masculine," on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "masculinus," meaning "male" or "of masculine gender."

So, when you kick off your self-improvement journey at the gym, you end up with a winning cycle:

More muscles make you feel more confident. More confidence attracts more ladies. And having more confidence and ladies motivates you to hit the gym even harder, making you even more buff.

PS

This is precisely the reason I advise every guy seeking dating advice, regardless of his issue, to start lifting weights.

The rationale is quite straightforward:

No other activity will yield a more positive impact on you than weightlifting.

19. The Social Proof Of Muscularity 

When you toss all the reasons why girls dig muscles into a non-stick, 9-inch round pan, give 'em a good stir, and bake for 20 minutes, you get one mouth-watering outcome:

Social proof.

In dating terms, that means:

Every girl wants a guy that other girls are already into.

So, by being that buff dude that other girls naturally want by default, you become even more irresistible to any other single girl!

There's a bunch of reasons behind this "second-degree attraction" (like the sexy son hypothesis, scarcity), but I just don't have time to dive into all that here.

However, he’s a nice demonstration of the power of social proof:

Buff Or Bluff: How Various Factors Shape A Woman’s Love For Muscles

Now let's chat about how various factors like personality, self-esteem, emotions, health, relationship status, age, and even menstrual cycles can affect a woman's taste for muscular guys. 

It's wild (and fascinating) how these factors can shape her attraction. 

So, let's dive right in and explore this cool topic!

20. How Self-Esteem, Personality, and Attractiveness Shape Women’s Taste for Muscles

Research consistently shows that ladies with higher body satisfaction and self-esteem, who think they're pretty hot, tend to dig more muscular dudes for both short- and long-term relationships. [13]

Other studies also suggest that women who are more outgoing, open-minded, and thrill-seeking are more into big guys than those who are introverted, conscientious, and anxious. [46]

Here's what I think might be behind this:

1. If she doesn't feel like she's in your league, she won't bother chatting you up.
2. "Thrill-seekers" usually want short-term partners, making sexy, muscular men a perfect match.
3. Outgoing, attractive girls aren't gonna be afraid to strike up a convo with a buff, intimidating guy.

21. How Women’s Disgust and Health Affects Attraction to Muscular Men

A woman's level of disgust or liking can affect whether she's into muscular guys or not. 

If she sees something gross like poop or puke, she's less likely to be attracted to muscular men. [47]

Why is that, you ask? 

Well, as we talked about earlier, having high testosterone and lots of muscles can weaken the immune system, making men more prone to getting infection or illness. 

So when women are grossed out, they might instinctively steer clear of guys who could potentially make them ill.

I believe this same line of reasoning would also suggest sick women would also prefer less bulky men with signs of lower testosterone, but I have no research to back me up.

22. Single Girls Dig Muscles More Than Married Ones

This should be no shocker after everything we’ve said till now, but studies say that single ladies or those just casually dating tend to go for more muscular dudes compared to married women or those in committed relationships. [39]

23. Fertile vs. Infertile Phases and the Muscularity Women Want

We started this whole journey together discussing how ovulation plays into the dual mating strategy making women want different kinds of men during their menstrual cycle, but here’s a quick recap:

1. When a woman is ovulating, she’s more fertile, giving her the opportunity and therefore, desire, to get pregnant from a sexy, muscular, testosterone volcano of a man with high quality genes. 
2. When a woman is in her infertile phase of her cycle (menstruation, follicular, and luteal), she’s not looking to get pregnant, but rather for a kind man with resources to protect her children. Being muscular is good, but having a sexy six pack is unnecessary to her. 

24. Why and How Women’s Preferences for Muscles Might Change With Age

Okay, so here's the deal: 

There are a few reasons why women might prefer guys who are less muscular as they get older. 

Let me break it down for you:

1. Just like how women have fertile and infertile phases each month, they also have different phases throughout their lives: Basically, from around 18 to 28 years old, a woman has a pretty good chance of getting pregnant every month - like 25-30%. That's her fertile phase. But as she gets older, it gets harder to get pregnant and have a baby without complications. By the time she hits 40, her chances of getting pregnant each month drop down to just 5%. That's her infertile phase. So, when a woman reaches her mid-30s, her brain starts looking for a guy who can provide security for any future kids she might have. It's not so much about getting pregnant anymore - it's more about making sure her offspring will be taken care of. [48, 49]
2. Older women may have more experience dating men (read: more broken hearts) and are therefore less likely to chase after the next sexy, testosterone fueled man.
3. While women ages 30 and over may actually prefer the sexy, muscular man, they cannot compete with the more attractive 18-22 year old girls.

There are many examples of women suddenly switching tracks when reaching their late 20’s - early 30’s, but my favorite example of this is Riley Reid, when in 2021, the world famous famous porn star finally decided to settle down after doing porn for many years.

Guess how old she was?

30.

No surprises here. 

On the other hand, there are several reason why some older some prefer short term partner: 

1. Older women are often more socially and economically independent and don't necessarily need a long-term partner to provide that stability. So, they're free to enjoy some casual fun without worrying about all that relationship stuff.
2. Plus, since they've had more experience with men, older women can be more confident and attractive (personality wise) to those super hot, muscular guys.
3. And, they're not as worried about being judged for hooking up, so they're more likely to go for it.
4. Last but not least, since they're not as concerned about getting pregnant, they might be more willing to have some casual fun without worrying about the consequences.

There are also lots of famous ladies out there who are totally cool with casual sex even as they get older. 

So here's the deal: everyone's different! 

Some women are all about muscles, no matter how old they are. 

Other women might be more into a guy who's not super ripped. 

And that's totally okay! 

There's no need to judge anyone for their preferences. Just be respectful and keep an open mind. You'll learn more about this stuff as you gain more dating experience!

How Environment And Culture Shape Women’s Crush On Muscular Men

Ever wonder why ladies in some situations or cultures seem to fall for buff guys more than others? 

Well, it turns out that factors like social and physical threats or just where you are in the world can play a huge role in how women see those muscly men. 

So, let's jump right in and explore how these changing environments and cultures can influence what women find attractive in a guy!

25. Danger Ahead: How Threats Influence Women’s Attraction to Muscular Men

From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that women would want stronger, healthier (read: more muscular) partners when they feel threatened. [33]

One study found that women were more into masculine faces when they saw pictures of dangerous environments. [50]

Another study showed that women who watched a scary movie were more likely to choose buff guys as potential dates compared to those who watched a neutral film.

What's super interesting is that women's preferences also changed based on the type of threat they were exposed to: physical threat vs social threat.

If they saw a video of a dude attacking a woman (a physical threat), they were more attracted to muscular men. 

But if they saw a video of people laughing at and excluding someone (a social threat), they were more into guys described as kind and supportive rather than super ripped. [51]

Pretty fascinating stuff, huh?

26. Exploring Global and Cultural Variations in Women’s Preferences for Muscular Men

So you might be wondering by now: 

It's great that you've shared a bunch of studies about how girls dig muscles, but does this hold true across cultures worldwide? 

Well, the answer's a bit of a mixed bag.

Yep, across the globe, women generally like some level of muscle on their guys. [52]

But, women's tastes in male muscularity can differ quite a bit from culture to culture. [53, 54]

In general, ladies in Western countries like the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand, and Western Europe tend to be into more muscular men compared to women in other parts of the world, like Japan and Malaysia.

I think there are a few reasons for this difference in preferences:

A great example of this difference in preferences is an interview from 1967 in Ireland where random women were asked what they look for in a man. 

You should know that Ireland was super religious back then; for context, between 1935 and 1985, selling and importing condoms was totally illegal!

As you can see, in that interview, women said they liked tall, big men with strong characters, but found muscular guys "rather revolting to look at" and didn't really care about physical attraction.

Now, in that same year, halfway around the world in Australia, a guy asked women the same question:

Are looks important? 

Keep in mind that the whole world was way more conservative in the '60s compared to now, but these Aussie women were more open about their preferences – like the first girl who straight-up said she's into money.

And to take things a step further, here’s a the same kind of interview done just recently in Japan:

Has biology changed in 80 years?

Of course not. 

It’s all about our economic and cultural situation and you look at the studies I’m referencing, you’ll see that this also cleans up many surface level contradictions in cross-cultural studies.

P.S.

By examining the three reasons I provided for the varied views on male muscularity (practical resource concerns, social media influences, and religion), we can consolidate them into a single overarching factor:

Prosperity versus scarcity. 

In a prosperous society, religion often becomes less significant, and women don't need to worry about securing resources. Consequently, muscular men are perceived as sexy, signaling genetic fitness. 

On the other hand, in economically challenged societies, religion takes center stage as people seek comfort. Women in these societies focus on survival and providing for their offspring, leading to a preference for muscular men as potential resource providers. 

This perspective not only explains the current variations in female attraction to male muscularity across different cultures, but also sheds light on how and why historical empires viewed male muscularity, as discussed later in this article.

A Broader Spectrum Of Attraction: Dispelling Myths About Male Muscularity

It's time for a reality check. 

We've all seen it, and some of us have even been there: pumping iron, chasing the dream of getting ultra-jacked in the quest to win over pretty girls. 

But what if I told you that's not the golden ticket you've been led to believe? 

Brace yourselves, because we're about to bust some myths and shed some light on why being ripped isn't always the answer. 

Let's dive into the world of intersexual competition, the unexpected relationship hurdles that come with a jacked physique, and why, believe it or not, skinny guys can be just as attractive. 

Are you ready to challenge the muscular misconception? Let's go!

27. How Muscles Stir Up Intersexual Rivalry

So, you've achieved that impressive muscular physique, but it comes with a catch:

Now, other men perceive you as a threat to their relationships and potential partners. 

As a result, they may even consider confronting you in an attempt to eliminate the competition. 

Be prepared to navigate these unexpected challenges, because with a muscular build, you're likely to experience increased intersexual competition.

28. Why You Should Prioritize Love Over Muscles and Hookups

Hey, I get it. 

Probably most of y'all are here just to get super jacked, become a badass, bad boy to get laid with endless pretty girls without any strings attached.

But lemme tell you, there's some real talk you need to hear about why it's worth thinking about ditching the one-night stands and finding a real thing.

Having a steady relationship has some sweet perks, and it ain't just for the "lame" guys out there.

Check out my top 3 reasons:

1. Serious relationships make you happier and less lonely. Yeah, really! Having a close partner means less stress, less depression, and less loneliness. Research shows that people with strong connections live happier and longer lives. Plus, being in it for the long haul gives you a sense of purpose. Let's face it, constantly changing partners can mess with your emotions and crank up your stress levels, making you more anxious, angry, and jealous.
2. Long-term love is good for your health. Believe it or not, happily committed guys are healthier than single or divorced dudes. They're less likely to kick the bucket early, suffer from heart issues, engage in risky behaviors, or get cancer. Oh, and stronger bones and lower blood pressure? That's in the mix, too.
3. Committed relationships can make you smarter. A partner who challenges you mentally and emotionally keeps your brain sharp. Studies reveal that people in satisfying long-term relationships have better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia. Plus, they tend to have more diverse interests and hobbies.

So, there you have it:

Hit the gym, pump some iron, but don't let it ruin your chances of finding a sweet romance! [55, 56]

29. Dating Skinny Guys: Exploring the Attractiveness of Skinny Guys

Once upon a time, when I was merely 8 years old, my family and I gathered around our cozy kitchen table, savoring the juicy sweetness of oranges.
As I watched my father effortlessly swallow the orange slices nearly whole, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
Determined to mimic his impressive skill, I attempted the same.
Alas, it ended in disaster.
The orange lodged itself in my throat, and panic set in as I struggled to breathe.
My siblings leaped into action—one hurriedly dialing for an ambulance, while my father took a more hands-on approach:
He hoisted me upside down, shaking me vigorously like a pair of pants desperate to be rid of their crumbs.
But that wasn't enough.
With a final, decisive move, my father flipped me back up and plunged his hand into my throat to retrieve the menacing orange chunk.
Gasping for air, I could breathe again, but the ordeal left me with burst veins around my eyes and a lingering sense of shock.
In the aftermath, my father kindly offered me some of his mouth watering salad (yes, he still makes a killer, garlic bomb of a salad), but I couldn't bring myself to accept.
That year, my parents opted to remove my large tonsils, although the wisdom of that decision remains unclear to this day.
Even before this harrowing experience, my appetite was modest at best. The choking incident only heightened my caution around food, and as a growing boy with a lightning-fast metabolism, I became alarmingly thin—so much so that my parents affectionately called me "Bone."
Time passed, and I eventually transformed my eating habits, embraced the gym, and sculpted a physique I could be proud of.

Now, as someone who was once the epitome of skinny, I find myself uniquely qualified to delve into this intriguing question which even girls ask themselves: 

In a world where muscles are undeniably attractive, why do some girls still find skinny guys appealing?

We could chat about a bunch of reasons, but I think the simplest answer is this:

#1 Women Value Diverse Traits in Men, Not Just Muscles

For real, no research has shown that a significant group of women go for less muscular guys when checking out guys. [34]

So yeah, looks and muscles can be important, but they just get your foot in the door, and maybe a girl will give you her number 'cause you're cute.

But when it comes to actually dating her, especially if she's hot, you've gotta back up those looks with confidence, charm, and some serious skills in the bedroom! 

At the end of the day, ladies have a whole wish list of things they want in a guy, and being ripped is just one part of it. 

Here's a quick list of some stuff women often look for in guys:

1. Confidence
2. Sense of humor
3. Financial security
4. Kindness
5. High status
6. Muscles
7. Passion and ambition
8. Big dick (sadly, mine is too big)
9. Respect and honesty
10. Height
11. Facial hair (here’s why girls loooove beards on men)
12. Style
13. Romance
14. Creativity

A girl's attraction isn't some basic math equation like "more muscles = more attractive." 

It's more about balancing the different things she likes in a guy. 

So, if a dude's ripped but doesn't have 75% of the other cool traits, why would a girl wanna date him? Instead, she'll go for a different guy who checks most of her boxes, even if he's on the skinny side.

P.S.

That's also why you should hit the gym for yourself, not just for girls. 

Because when it comes down to it, muscles alone won't score you a girlfriend. It's like having a sick motorcycle—sure, you can take girls for a ride and have a blast, but that bike won't magically bring girls into your life.

#2 Skinny Guys: Charm Outweighs Muscle Mass

Skinny guys, unlike muscular guys, may feel the need to compensate for their lack of muscles by developing a great personality, making them fantastic for serious relationships.

#3 The Cultural Shift in Girl’s Preferences for Skinny Guys

Remember when we talked about in the chapter titled, "Exploring Global and Cultural Variations in Women's Preferences for Muscular Men"? 

Girls liking skinny guys is a perfect example of that. 

Yeah, biologically, they're wired to be into sexy, ripped guys with six-packs, but because of their religion or culture, they might feel judged. So, they persuade themselves that ‘gym guys’ are just full of themselves or insecure about how they look, just to seem all "innocent" and "pure" around their friends.

#4 r/K Selection Unravels Skinny Guy Appeal

R-selected vs K-selected is all about choosing between having tons of kids or a few high-quality ones to keep your genes going. 

It might sound tricky, but it's actually pretty simple.

You've got your r-selected animals, like rabbits. 

They have a bunch of babies and don't really spend much time taking care of them. They just hope some of them make it. This goes for fruit flies and dandelion plants too.

Then there are K-selected animals, like elephants. They have fewer babies, but they're super invested in raising them. Pandas and redwood trees work the same way.

So, where do humans fit in? 

We're K-selected, no doubt! 

We don't have a ton of kids, and we put a lot of time and resources into raising them.

But here’s how r/K selection might explain why (some) girls like skinny guys:

It kinda makes sense that people land at different spots on the r/K selection scale, right? 

(And there's even some research that may back that up.) 

So, check this out:

Some girls lean more toward the r-selected side, which means they're a bit more promiscuous and really into hot, muscular guys for hookups.

A good example of this is Shame Deelz, who knew from a young age that following a religious lifestyle was not for her, that she always felt more sexual and that no one could sl*t shame her out of it:

Other girls are more K-selected, so they're all about monogamy and deep connections with good, loyal men. In this case, muscles don't matter as much.

And there you have it!

The reason why some girls like skinny guys is because they lie more K-selected and aren’t looking for those hot, good genes. They are all about parental investment. [57, 58]

Totally irrelevant, but another super cool article by me: Falling in Love: 124 Signs to Tell if a Girl Likes You. Ur welcome. 

#5 Muscular vs. Skinny: How Intimidation Affects Choice

A dude who looks like he could take on a bear is pretty scary, right? 

Girls might dig the gym guy, but they'll chat up the skinny one instead because he doesn't seem as aggressive, dominant, or violent.

#6 Body Illusions: How Girls See Skinny Guys Differently

Another reason you spot hot girls with skinny guys is that, honestly, they might not seem skinny to the girls. 

What's that about? 

Well, research shows that both guys and gals have a pretty distorted view of the perfect body shape.

Turns out, women usually dig a leaner, more muscular look for guys than what men think is ideal for themselves. 

And guys? 

They're all about a ripped physique that's actually more muscular than what women find ideal. [59]

So maybe that "skinny" guy isn't so skinny from her perspective!

#7 Skinny Guys Can Seem Taller

This is a very insignificant factor all things considered: but maybe, just maybe, one reason why skinny guys can seem more attractive is that they can seem taller because they are so thin.

#8 Past Meets Present: Childhood's Role in Skinny Attraction

This goes for both guys and girls: 

Our childhood experiences, good and bad, can totally influence what we're into when it comes to partners. It's not a one-size-fits-all thing, but just to give you a rough idea, here's how it could relate to our topic:

• Grew up super poor? You might be drawn to partners who are bigger or have a higher BMI, since that could be linked to health and wellbeing.
• If you had a rough childhood with abuse or trauma (like me), you could be looking for someone larger or more muscular because it feels safer and more secure.

And now you get why some girls like skinny guys and also why some guys are into fat girls.

#9 One Size Doesn't Fit All: The Allure of Skinny Guys

Why do some girls dig skinny guys? 

There's no one-size-fits-all answer: People are just different! 

Some girls are into shy, introverted dudes, while others want the confident team leader.

The same principle applies to men as well.

Many men prefer women with curves and slim waists:

...While others are attracted to muscular women: 

However, it is absurd to mock men who date muscular women by labeling them as "latent homosexuals," as shown in the Twitter example below.

We all have our distinct preferences when it comes to sexuality, and it is crucial to acknowledge and respect them: men and women. 

#10 Skinny Guys Have Huge Dicks

This is more of a meme than anything else:

Anyways, what’s your experience? 

Do you often see skinny guys smoking hot chicks? 

Do you think I’m wrong about the reasons I listed?

Let’s talk about it in the comments 😉 

Exploring The History Of Female Attraction To Male Muscularity

Before wrapping up this article, let's delve into the PDF copy of this routineof male muscle appeal for a comprehensive understanding. 

Throughout history, different cultures have held varying perspectives on male muscularity:

1. Fat as attractive
2. Muscularity not particularly valued
3. Muscularity attractive as a capable provider
4. Muscularity attractive for sexiness and as a capable provider
5. Muscularity attractive for sexiness without any other purpose

Now, let's dive into the history:

30. Ancient Egypt (circa 3100-332 BC):

Ancient Egyptians valued physical fitness and strength, especially among laborers and soldiers. Art from this period often displays muscular men, suggesting that they were considered strong and capable providers rather than attractive in their one sense, as a sign of genetic fitness.

31. Ancient Greece (circa 800-146 BC):

In wealthy Ancient Greece, male muscularity was greatly appreciated and connected to athleticism, strength, and military skill. Muscularity was also considered aesthetically pleasing, as evidenced by sculptures like "Discobolus" and "Kouros." This era may mark the first time muscular men were seen as both sexy and capable providers.

32. Ancient Rome (circa 753 BC-476 AD for Western Roman Empire; 330-1453 AD for Eastern Roman Empire/Byzantine Empire):

Ancient Romans shared the Greeks' admiration for male muscularity, associating it with strength, vitality, and military prowess. Roman artwork often featured strong, muscular men, though historians note that the Romans generally preferred a more balanced and less exaggerated form of muscularity. In this culture, muscularity was primarily seen as a sign of being a capable provider rather than an indication of sexiness.

33. Middle Ages (circa 500-1500 AD):

During the Middle Ages, particularly the Dark Ages (circa 500-800 AD), economic downturns and reduced trade made male muscularity much less of a priority. With scarce resources, people focused on survival rather than building muscle! Physical strength was valued for practical purposes like manual labor and warfare, while society shifted its focus to piety, virtue, and chivalry.

34. Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican Civilization of the Aztecs (13th century):

In contrast, the Aztecs and the Kingdom of Tahiti (10th century AD - 18th century) highly valued being overweight due to food scarcity. Extra weight signaled access to resources and the ability to provide for oneself and one's family, making it an attractive quality.

35. The Renaissance (circa 1300-1600 AD):

During the wealthy Renaissance period, fascination with the human form reemerged, highlighting idealized proportions and harmony. Renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci frequently portrayed muscular male figures in their works, including the famous "David" statue and "Vitruvian Man" drawing. This era marked the resurgence of male muscularity as a symbol of sexiness, rather than solely representing a provider role.

36. The Ottoman Empire (circa 1299-1922 AD):

The Ottoman Empire, known for its vast territorial expansion and military achievements, highly valued physical fitness and strength, particularly among the military class. Male muscularity served as a symbol of strength, discipline, and martial prowess, emphasizing its role as a capable provider rather than exuding sex appeal.

37. 20th-21st Century (1901-present AD):

Throughout the 20th century, especially in the Soviet Union, physical fitness and strength were seen as crucial for men to be capable providers. The state promoted physical culture, and muscular men became symbols of Soviet masculinity. 

As the world entered the 21st century, marked by economic growth and technological advancements, muscularity took on a whole new cultural aspect in the western world: becoming a sex symbol solely, rather than a provider.

And here's an infographic I made to make this all more understandable 😉

38. Exploring Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Attraction To Muscularity

As a bisexual guy, I found this topic particularly intriguing, so I've compiled a research-based overview of how lesbians, gays, and bisexuals perceive muscularity:

1. Some gay and bisexual men might link muscularity with heteronormativity, conformity, or superficiality, leading them to prefer thinner body types and alternative expressions of masculinity. [60]
2. Conversely, certain gay men might seek muscular and athletic partners to compensate for a perceived lack of masculinity (in the heteronormative sense) or to avoid bullying or rejection from other men. [61]  
3. Like heterosexual women, gay men with higher self-esteem, greater satisfaction with their bodies, and who consider themselves more attractive tend to prefer more muscular men. [62, 60]
4. Similar to heterosexual women, gay men find muscular men with lower body fat more attractive as short-term partners, but less appealing for long-term relationships. [62]
5. Generally, gay men prefer men with greater muscularity and lower body fat than women do. [60]
6. Research indicates that, while lesbians' preferences for muscularity do not differ from straight women's, they tend to prefer partners with lower body fat. [60]

If that all seems like a complicated mess of words, here's a nice infographic showing how lesbians, gays, and bisexuals perceive muscularity:

Are you lesbian, gay or bi?

What do you prefer in your partner?

Does it change for a quick hookup versus a long term relationship?

As always, tell me about your experience in the comments section! 

Warnings: Mindful Muscles And Balancing Gym Life

While we all love chasing those gains, let's take a breather and chat about the not-so-fun side of getting buff.

In this section, we'll tackle some essential topics like not letting the gym take over your life, keeping body dysmorphia at bay, and saying "nope" to steroids. 

By being aware of these potential bumps in the road, you can enjoy a happier and healthier journey towards that killer physique. 

So, let's get real and learn how to stay balanced while flexing those muscles.

39. Don’t Let the Gym Define You

Hey, no one likes a one-dimensional person. 

Whether they're all about their business, sexuality, or, in this case, their gym life. 

To be clear, there's no need to hide your passion for the gym. Feel free to chat about your journey to getting ripped, your daily workout routine, and meal plans.

But just remember, don't let it consume your entire identity: Keep things interesting with various hobbies and interests, giving your personality mysterious depth.

40. Keepin’ It Real: Balancing Gym Goals and Mental Health

Whether you're hitting the gym to impress girls or for any other reason, just remember to keep an eye on your body image and mental health. 

Body dysmorphia can sneak up on you, and before you know it, you're obsessing over some tiny flaw or imperfection.

If you start to notice that happening, don't hesitate to reach out to a doctor.

Don't let the pursuit of that Greek God bod mess with your mental well-being. Keep it balanced, and stay healthy in body and mind!

41. Steer Clear of Steroids: Stay Healthy and Attractive the Natural Way

Unless you're a pro bodybuilder, there's no need to dive into the world of steroids just to get that dream physique. 

First off, it's seriously unhealthy. 

Rich Piana, who sadly passed away (probably from steroid use), made this point in one of his older YouTube videos.

“If you have the choice to stay natural or do steroids, stay natural. There’s no reason to do steroids, you’re only hurting your body, you’re hurting yourself.”

And 

“If you want to become a professional bodybuilder, guess what? You’re probably going to have to fucking do ‘em. You’re not going to have a choice.”

And guess what? 

Being insanely muscular doesn't necessarily make you a girl magnet. 

Muscularity has a sweet spot, and it's not all about stacking up more and more muscle. 

Keep it natural, and you'll be both healthier and more attractive.

The Final Verdict on Female Attraction to Muscularity

In summary, male muscularity is regarded as a desirable trait by women as it signifies abundant resource potential and superior genetic makeup, both of which are key factors that women seek in potential mates. This observation is supported by the dual mating strategy and evolutionary psychology, which posit that these preferences stem from innate evolutionary processes.

As always, comment below (after the resource section) with your thoughts and see you on another guide, 

Coach Colt

P.S.

And of course, we all know this is the real truth…sadly: 

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