The Most Attractive Muscles (Scientific Analysis)

When it comes to determining the most attractive muscles according to science, it’s important to understand that attractiveness is subjective. However, certain patterns emerge from studies and surveys, indicating which muscles are frequently deemed attractive by many people.

So what does science say about the most attractive muscles? It wasn’t us at BOXROX who came up with the answer ourselves. No, that would have been the work of Jeremy Ethier and a video he recently shared.

Jeremy Ethier is a kinesiologist and fitness trainer, co-founder of Built With Science. His YouTube channel has over 6.5 million subscribers and he delivers clear information with sound background research.

In this article, we’ll explore the most attractive muscles based on feedback from over 200 men and women, while also providing scientific reasoning behind these choices. At the end, we’ll reveal one unexpected personality trait that outperformed all the muscles combined.

What Muscles Do Guys Think Are Attractive?

Before we dive into what the data says, it’s worth noting how guys generally predict which muscle is most attractive. When asked, most men assumed that women prefer chest and shoulders the most. After all, broad shoulders are often associated with strength and a powerful frame, making them a common assumption for the most attractive body part. The so-called “Dorito” look, with a wide shoulder-to-waist ratio, is a popular goal among gym-goers. But do women agree?

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Gathering Data from Women

To make things clearer, a group of over 200 women was surveyed about which muscles they find most attractive in men. The muscles under consideration included the chest, shoulders, biceps, back, quads, abs, calves, and glutes. In addition to choosing the top muscle, the women rated each on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most attractive.

While conducting the survey, a well-built model named Max was used as a reference. Max was on hand to flex and display his muscles, helping the women make more informed decisions. During these interviews, there were some interesting moments. For instance, one woman mentioned her boyfriend works on his back a lot, which influenced her preference, while another quickly picked quads, noting that lower body muscles take more effort to build.

The Most Attractive Muscles: Which is The Winner?

Arms and Biceps: The Top Contender

Surprisingly, arms, particularly biceps, emerged as the top-ranked muscle group, capturing first place for over 30% of the women surveyed. Many found big arms symbolized strength and masculinity, with several women commenting on how attractive well-built biceps look. The women frequently emphasized that strong arms are “just nice to look at” and create an overall balanced, athletic appearance.

Shoulders: The Classic Pick

Shoulders followed closely behind, scoring high in both attractiveness and frequency of mention. Broad, well-defined shoulders give a powerful frame and are often the first thing people notice about someone’s physique. They also enhance the coveted V-shape or “Dorito” look, which is widely considered attractive.

Chest and Back: Also Popular

Both chest and back muscles consistently scored high in the survey. A developed chest gives the appearance of strength and dominance, while a strong back shows that a person has put in the work for a balanced physique. Women also appreciated the back because it’s a large muscle group that adds visual appeal from different angles.

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Lower Body Muscles: The Underdogs

Quads: A Surprising Favorite

Quads came up as a favourite for a minority of the women. One notable comment was that quads demonstrate a well-rounded physique, showing that the person doesn’t skip leg day. Quads, being large muscles, also take more time and effort to build, which adds to their attractiveness.

Glutes and Calves: Not As Important

Glutes and calves didn’t perform as well in this study. While some women said they appreciate well-built glutes, it wasn’t a top priority for most. Similarly, calves were frequently ranked low, with one woman mentioning that she doesn’t even notice them much. For many women, the upper body seemed more significant than the lower body when considering attractiveness.

What About Abs?

Abs had a unique standing. Although they didn’t score as high as other muscles overall, they were frequently picked as the most attractive muscle by certain women. Abs were seen as a “bonus” by some — a symbol of dedication to fitness — but weren’t considered a dealbreaker. Women who liked abs really liked them, giving them perfect 10 scores in the cases where abs were the top choice.

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Why Arms Are Universally Attractive

Scientifically, there are several reasons why arms, particularly the biceps, are so attractive. From an evolutionary perspective, strong arms signal that a man can protect and provide, traits that were historically important for survival. Also, biceps are a muscle group that’s easily visible, even when clothed, making them one of the more noticeable aspects of a man’s physique. The biceps are engaged in many everyday activities, giving them functional and aesthetic importance.

The Personality Trait That Beats All Muscles

In addition to physical attributes, personality plays a huge role in attraction. In fact, many women surveyed mentioned that personality traits like humor and confidence outperformed muscles when it came to long-term attraction. A good sense of humor was brought up repeatedly, with many women expressing that someone who can make them laugh is much more appealing than someone with a six-pack.

This suggests that while a well-developed body can grab attention, it’s often a person’s character that keeps it. In evolutionary terms, humor may signal intelligence and social competence, making it an appealing trait in a partner.

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Summary: Building the Most Attractive Physique

So, what muscles should you focus on if you’re looking to enhance your physique’s attractiveness? According to this survey, arms and shoulders should be at the top of your priority list. These muscles not only ranked high in terms of attractiveness but also contribute to a strong, athletic appearance. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced physique, as muscles like the chest and back also scored well.

Remember, though, that muscles alone aren’t the full story. Personality traits, especially humor and confidence, are often what seals the deal for many people. So, if you’re looking to improve your attractiveness, it’s best to balance physical development with building strong interpersonal skills.

By combining a strong physique with a great sense of humor, you’ll have the perfect formula for attractiveness!

Key Takeaways:

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