DH’s latest fitness challenge..anyone else not fussed by a six pack?

[DogLover94]

DH usually sets himself a different fitness related challenge each year - normally based around running or an event.

This year is different…he wants to get abs/a six pack.

Now it’s nothing to do with me I know, and fair play to him.

But, slightly light heartedly, am I alone in saying I really don’t find this look attractive with men?

Having done some moderately extensive research in the male rowing community, I would say that you can be incredibly fit and not have a six-pack, which is about losing enough of the perfectly normal fat under the skin for it to tighten over the muscle, and which is probably going to require some very picky eating.
Aesthetically, I much prefer to see useful athletic muscle than the results of someone obsessively doing beach-weights and picking at a plate of boiled chicken and spinach.

Not a fan myself. My preference would be a man who’s chunky and firm but still cuddly, because he does a lot of building/DIY 😂

Men are allowed to aspire to a body that meets a male definition of attractiveness just as women are allowed to base their own appearance on a way that appeals mostly to other women (which a lot of, if not most women do).

Nope,not bothered, but don’t like a belly either.

But there are lots of things you can do that are very difficult and take work that aren't focused inwardly, on yourself. It's essentially narcissistic.

It’s a fitness goal rather than an appearance goal isn’t it?

DH is really into lifting and has a 6 pack and he looks immense. Really chuffed for him as he worked hard to get there and maintain.

I run, which doesn’t particularly give muscle definition at my weight but DH is still happy for me when I reach my goals.

I was thinking about this recently.

I think it might be evolutionary. Very low body fat is not going to convince a cave woman that a caveman can provide for her. I think on some unconscious level we might see very low body fat as starving.

This is true. But equally women are allowed to not find it attractive.

I think very low body fat gives a carved, hard, ageing look. Which doesn’t appeal to some of us. I also prefer men who aren’t vain or food fussy.

I guess it's all about doing something for yourself and not worrying if other people like it or find it attractive. You cant please everyone. If he wants to go for that look and is happy doing that, and if his partner is happy enough with him trying to achieve it, then that's all that matters.

Gross. Hate a six pack. Go weak at the knees for a decent set of calves and thighs.

And wears a hard hat and tool belt 😜

If the only thing you do is focus on your body, then yes. I don't see the harm in taking an interest in what it can achieve and look like as part of a range of interests. There are far worse hobbies.

No. I hit the wrong quote button.

The previous reply said

"The Pope!"

It was a response to that.

I'm partially blind.

I’d rather a man with a dad bod than thin with a six pack like the Olly picture … BUT six pack on a generally bigger body like Matt Morsia from gladiators beats both. Basically I want to feel smaller than my man.

I don’t think it suggests fussiness with food. I’ve currently got a 6 pack and eat a lot more than I did when I was a bit cuddlier 6 months ago. I certainly wouldn’t be put off by it, DH has huge muscly arms,
chest and legs but not abs as he’s just not that build really.