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aesthetics

Aesthetic vs Functional Muscle: What’s the Difference?

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Aesthetic muscle vs functional muscle image

Traditional (aesthetic) lifting will never exit the bodybuilding world, the most effective method for causing muscle microtears, doubling or even tripling size, and offering a more chiseled definition.

But with functional fitness taking the health industry by storm (a la CrossFit, calisthenics, or even natural dumbbell exercises — like kettlebell rows), we’re left with two still-unsolved debates:

Are aesthetic or functional routines better for your health?

And …

What’s the difference between aesthetic and functional muscle anyway? (Is there a difference?)

Functional training gif

Since one ultimately leads to the other (functional training plops you right in functional muscle’s lap), this’ll be a two-for-one kind of deal. Let’s settle these ongoing controversies once and for all!

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An Aesthetic Workout for Ectomorphs (Skinny to Beefy)

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Ectomorph aesthetic workout image

Blame your parents, genetic luck (or lack thereof), or something “in the tap water.” Either way, you drew the bodybuilding short stick: you’re a loud and proud ectomorph.

Sure, you hit the height lottery — a lucky six-footer — towering three inches taller than the average guy. And you never have to second-guess your fast food trips or fatty binges.

But your limbs are lanky, shoulders are narrow, and muscles are hardly responsive.

No workout will alter your DNA to that coveted “mesomorph” status. But with Doug’s Mass Building Routine for Ectomorphs, the transition from skinny to beefy doesn’t have to be impossible (or borderline illegal).

Check out this potentially game-changing aesthetic workout for ectomorphs.

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Aesthetic Calisthenics Workout to Build Dense Muscle

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Aesthetic calisthenics workout image

The classic “gym bro” lifestyle just isn’t for everyone. Between the slamming weights, long wait times, equipment hogs, and achy recoveries, you wind up face-to-face with one brutal choice:

Bite the bullet in the name of gains?

Or sacrifice an aesthetic physique entirely?

The long-forgotten third option — calisthenics — is the middle ground we shun as “not good enough.” Push-ups and lunges could never compare to the real bench and squat … right?

Brad Borland’s Body Like a God workout puts this logic and more to the test.

Check out his aesthetic calisthenics workout to build dense God-like muscles.

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Ideal Male Body Measurements For “Perfect” Aesthetics

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Perfect male body measurements image

90s-era bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman, brandished a 58” chest and 24” biceps in his prime. And the (somehow) still-undefeated boxer, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, touts a remarkably slimmer 40” pecs and 14.5” arms.

Both physiques are the epitome of “aesthetic” in today’s definition with:

  • Sub-5% body fat
  • Bulging defined muscles
  • Almost incomparable athleticism behind them

And yet, both physiques are worlds apart.

That begs the question: What constitutes a “perfect” aesthetic?

Is it reinventing yourself as Arnold 2.0 or a rebooted Steve Cook? Or is it chasing some unspoken “ideal” body measurements, like 17” biceps or 25” quads?

Let’s review the common schools of thought regarding ideal male body measurements for “perfect” aesthetics.

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An Aesthetic Arm Workout for Bigger Biceps & Triceps

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Aesthetic arm workout image

What’s the sense in wearing a tank top or T-shirt if it always seems like you’re swimming in it?

You want to fill those sleeves and look like you’re a regular at the gym — not like you merely ran out of clean clothes and borrowed from your old stash of college T’s, right?

The biceps and triceps are among the most sought after gains.

Yet, unless Arnold Schwarzenegger is in your bloodline or you can afford to load up on 200g of protein a day, your upper arms will always be one step behind your goals (ironic).

Well, not anymore.

Mike Samuels launched a biceps and triceps routine featuring everything from isometric holds to rest-free circuits. All to guide you out of your rut and return those gains on a silver platter.

Will this arm building circuit be all it takes to earn you some respect (and attention) at the gym? That’s for you to decide … So, here’s Mike Samuels’ arm building circuit!

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