The Smartest Way To Build An Aesthetic Body In 2023

Ever since I was young, all I wanted was to build a super sexy looking body - the kind that you see in movies. I didn't really care about being strong or functional, I just wanted to look good. But my approach to training was all over the place. I would jump from one routine to another, trying different styles of training without really knowing what I was doing. And despite all my efforts, I didn't see much progress. On top of that, I would often injure myself because I was lifting with my ego and going too hard. I soon realized that my dream body isn't just about looks. It's about being functional, healthy, and athletic.

Defining Your Dream Body

The first step in getting your dream body is to define what it means for you. For many, it involves having a v-taper in the upper body - broad shoulders, a wide upper back, and a chest that is wider than the waist. This shape is often associated with lower body fat and is seen as a sign of athleticism and health. It's important to consider not just looks, but also strength, functionality, and performance in various sports and activities.

Exploring Different Training Styles

Now let's look at some of the different training styles and see which one is best suited for achieving a lean and aesthetic body.

Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength-focused sport that involves lifting heavy weights, often working up to your one-rep maximum. It's great for building raw strength, but it can also be more injury-prone compared to other styles of training. Powerlifting is not optimized for muscle growth and hypertrophy, which typically occur in the 5 to 12 rep range. It can also be mentally taxing and not very beginner-friendly. While powerlifting can help you develop strength, it may not be the best choice for functionality and athleticism.

Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a style of training that focuses on aesthetics and muscle development. It typically involves higher volume training with lower weights, aiming for the "pump" sensation. Bodybuilding can be time-consuming and may lead to burnout, as it often requires spending many hours in the gym. It's also heavily reliant on specific exercises and may not prioritize strength development in compound movements. Injury risk in bodybuilding is moderate, and it can be more beginner-friendly compared to powerlifting.

Calisthenics

Calisthenics, or bodyweight training, is a great way to build a lean and aesthetic body. Olympic gymnasts are a perfect example of the results that can be achieved through bodyweight training. This style of training focuses on relative strength, which is strength in relation to your body size. Calisthenics can help you develop proportionate and ripped muscles. It is generally lower in injury risk and can be beginner-friendly.

Benefits of Bodyweight Training

·         Improves balance and body weight control

·         Helps reduce body fat and achieve lower body weight

·         Enhances strength

·         Less injury prone compared to weightlifting

·         Less mentally taxing and reduces burnout risk

·         Functional and athletic

·         Great for beginners and those without access to a gym

Negatives of Bodyweight Training

·         Not as time efficient for muscle development compared to weightlifting

Minimalist Training

·         Focuses on compound exercises in the 4-8 rep range

·         Combines principles of powerlifting and muscle hypertrophy

·         Emphasizes proportionate muscular aesthetic

·         Allows for a balanced lifestyle outside of the gym

·         Reduces risk of injury

Choosing the Right Training Approach

The best approach depends on personal preferences and goals. If the goal is to have an aesthetic body, achieving a low body fat percentage is crucial. Additionally, combining bodyweight training with weightlifting can be more time efficient for muscle development. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on which approach suits you best!