How to Build an Athletic Body That Isn’t Bulky

A lot of people who read this site know that I am NOT a big fan of excessive muscle.

In my opinion, the last thing you want is for people to think “gym” as soon as they look at you.

This gives off a vibe that you are trying to hard and that isn’t really an attractive quality. There is also just a corny aura that someone gives off when they have that muscle-bound look.

Here is a video of the look I’m talking about. These guys are an extreme version of this, but there are still plenty of people who think this is ideal!

[I’m sorry but this video makes me laugh. The clothes these guys are wearing is ridiculous. I remember reading Flex magazine back in 1992 and the popular thing was to show pictures of guys wearing this stuff along with sunglasses. I still see guys in certain gyms wearing sunglasses when they lift!]

The Massive Look is Quickly Dying

This has actually been over for quite some time, but it is just taking a while for the fitness industry to catch on. If you are a guy or girl and want to be massive, that is fine.

It is your choice. I guess you just have to ask yourself if it is worth eating the tons of food required and being sore and run down all the time.

It also is tough to look good in normal clothes if you are too bulky. Heck, you can’t even walk right with too much muscle!

Most Fitness Advice Still Focuses on Building Muscle

I know that most trainers mean well.

Unfortunately the majority of the trainers at commercial gyms are young men in their early 20’s who want to gain as much muscle as possible.

I’m not sure why, but that type of guy seems to be the one most likely to take up personal training.

They “assume” that everyone they train wants to gain muscle and their advice is largely geared towards that. Many of these guys can’t even imagine that someone wouldn’t want to have massive muscles.

Also, pick up any fitness magazine and it is still largely geared towards “building bigger guns”, “bigger pecs”, etc.

Thank Goodness For Programs Like CrossFit!

CrossFit is a step in the right direction.

It is a program based on functional fitness…building a strong, fast, and fit body.

There are CrossFit partners all over the world now who are spreading the word about this type of functional fitness.

They are one of the leaders of the pack when it comes to helping people get functionally fit.

A “Nice Body” and a “Gym Body” are Entirely Different Things

If you pay attention to Hollywood’s sex symbols you will notice something… all of these men and women have that nice balanced look. They all just look fit and attractive.

When you look at them the first thing that comes to mind is that they have a “nice body”. This is different than looking at a person and thinking “gym body”.

When you see a really massive guy and girl, you think they must spend a lot of time in the gym.

Ideally you want to look really fit, but without the “gym look”… and under no circumstances should you wear cheesy gym clothing in public.

A Paradigm Shift is Happening When it Comes to Getting Fit

People are beginning to see a lot of the fitness sites and magazines for what they are, vehicles to sell lots of supplements.

I’m not against supplements, I just wouldn’t endorse 90% of the stuff out there.

Another shift is happening is that people are incorporating getting fit without the need for a gym membership.

You can get in incredible shape without belonging to a gym. You can get fit while having fun. I love what is happening in this regard.

People are getting outside and getting in great shape without the need for super fancy equipment.