In bodybuilding, physiques can be classified as visually stunning. Generally, to meet this level of praise, aside from Complete and Utter MASS, there are also two other requirements that need to be met:being symmetrical and proportional - a state where there is an obvious balance between both sides of the body, having a practical Mirror image reflection of Right/Left, and where nothing looks out of place, a condition where everything seems to flow and taper into a harmonious whole.
It most cases, atleast at a pro level, It seems that today’s standards have required competitors to mainly aim for 2 aspects of this sport- Mass and conditioning. It’s my belief that many, especially at the early stages, lose sight of the actual importance, quite literally the foundation, of a perfect physique. If you have an AMAZING upper body, Biceps popping at the seems, a back that seemingly stretches an impossible figure, and a chest composed of figurative Barrels, But walk on stage with Thighs no larger than your average competitor’s Forearm, you WILL NEVER taste gold.
So, what is ideal proportions?
Some would argue that this depends on your wrist size, as suggests things like “The Grecian Ideal,” which is an ancient Greek ideal of how the male physique should look. According to this theory, to calculate a perfectly proportional body, we begin with a wrist size. Now, using myself as a test subject, we can show how this template works:
My Measurements-
Chest- 52 inches
Waist- 36-38 inches
Biceps- 20 inches
Forearm- 16 inches
Thigh- 29 inches
Calves- 19 inches
Neck- 19 inches
The Grecian Ideal calculator asks for my wrist size, which is 8 inches, and calculates my ideal physique with it:
Chest- 52 inches- check
Waist- 36 inches- Check
Bicep- 19 inches- Check+
Forearm- 15 inches- Check+
Thigh- 28 inches- Check+
Calves-18 inches- Negative
Neck- 19 inches- Check
I meet some, surpass others, and fall slightly short of others. In the eyes of the Grecian Ideal calculator, i am not quite proportional. Though i do not agree with the measurements provided as Ideal, i will agree with the fact that i am not Proportional enough.
There is also a Muscle to Bone ratio form of calculation, one that was apparently endorsed by Steve Reeves. Lets see how this differs from the first. Now, still using my measurements, as they are the only ones i have access to lol:
My Measurement\ What it should be according to the calculator
Wrist 8Inch \ 20inch arms- Check
Ankle 11inch \ 21inch calves- negative
Head 24inch \ 19inch neck- Check
Knee 17inch \ 30inch Thigh- Negative.
According to this form, i meet only half of the requirements.
These two different forms of proportional measurement slightly differ from each other. In my eyes neither are a fantastic template for measuring your own build. Why? Well, both fail to call into question shoulder width, or Leg to waist ratio. However, i will say that either of this does pose as a decent beginners stepping stone. Look at what your measurements “Should” be, and give yourself something to aim for. As a bodybuilder, your goal isn’t Numbers as in weight, but rather it’s Numbers as in inches: Size of this, proportion of this to that, etc.
I recommend picking up a mini tape measure, and starting to keep track. Dont believe your eyes when it comes to seeing results. I know this is especially difficult for myself in that i personally am never happy, and i visually create things, or exaggerate areas negatively. It creates a negative Black Hole that will only serve to drag you down deeper into a hole of Self loathing. So Snag a Tape measure, and start keeping track. Measure bodyparts every month or so. Ensure that you are continually growing, and if not, take a step back and look at your total program, Something can always be fixed. It truly helps to be able to compare measurements over months and see your progress. You must know where you’ve been to see where you’re going.
Are these calculators mainly for guys though? A 14 inch neck is pretty thick for a girl!