Which body type is more attractive: Muscular, "fit" women or "toned" women?

[Anonymous]

And by "muscular" I don't mean body builder.

By muscular I just mean visible muscle definition: link link link

By toned I mean no visible muscle definition but clearly still in good shape: (the right picture) link link link

Which is the more attractive body type in your opinion?

Updates

+1 y

Okay. Since it was pointed out to me that I shouldn't have used a celebrity for one of the "toned" images, here is another I found: link

Updates

+1 y

For those who have an issue with the first links, you can refer to these instead if you wish: link link link

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

What is wrong with this community...

I like fit women.. but not all fit women take steroids and look like men. The first 2 definitely are bodybuilders. And the third has a hideous face.. which altogether makes your post ridiculous.

It's like me saying-- girls do you like fit guys like this

link

Or toned guys like this

link

It's not even close to fair or even a remotely reasonable comparison.

You say "by muscular I don't mean body builder" but those first 2 girls are bodybuilders lol. Paulin Nordin and Jamie Eason.

You want examples of fit women-- let me provide them for you since you clearly have no understanding of what an elite female athlete really looks like.

Olympic Skiing -- Lindsey Vonn

link

Professional Tennis -- Maria Sharapova

link

Professional Tennis -- Anna Kournikova

link

Professional Boxing -- Laila Ali

link

Olympic Swimmer -- Amanda Beard

link

As you might realize--- oh hey the top .00001% of female athletes don't look extremely muscular, I wonder why? It's because women have naturally higher body fat percentages than men and do not experience similar muscle hypertrophy. So vascularity doesn't happen very easily.

It's people like you that give female fitness a bad rap. The reality is, aside from facial construction, female athletes look a lot like super models aesthetically. Because fat is layered above muscle, a females athleticism is hardly noticeable beyond the figure it may create.

[RyeLee]

best answer!

[Asker]

LOL @ "people like you" you don't know me hun but I love how you seem to be able to pick apart a simple question. Regardless of the specifics, the question is simply if men prefer visible muscle definition or not. I didn't think it would take a genius to figure that out...the examples were just that, examples of definition or not. I love when people ignore the question at habd and just critisize the fine detail. Lol

[Izzy2102]

well I mostly agree with your post but those pictures of female athletes are photoshopped and in particular they're photoshopped to soften muscles and masculine features. Anna Kournikova looks more like this link , Lalia Ali more like this link .

Not to say that they're ugly but I hope you see what I mean

[Asker]

Anyway, you are entitled to your opinion. But the point of this question isn't about the particular people I chose to put in the links. It's just talking about the specific body type. While the two in the first links may "technically" be "body builders," they aren't what someone normally thinks of when they think of the term body builder. I was referencing that specific body type of having muscle definition, not who they are as people.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

No, they look exactly the same in both photos. Only LAILA (spelling) Ali has a shirt on and flexing her arms, and Kournikova is looking at her feet contracting her abs. They have the same beautiful bodies in both pictures. Not a massive photo shop. It would be exactly the same if you took a picture of Gisele B?ndchen in a swim suit standing straight up vs slightly bent. We all (both men and women) have less muscle definition when we are not flexing..

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

As for QA, whether the implications of your question were intentional when you labeled "fit" the way you did and "tone" the way you did, is just a matter of if you're being ignorant or devious. Even given that, there are plenty of six pack girls who better represent that description. Zuzana Light, for example. Or bodyrock Lisa Marie. So why the deceptive wording? Why not just come out and say "do you guys like girls who do steroids or are slim girls better?"

[Asker]

Lol there's no deception about it. I didn't think it would take a genius to realize what I'm talking about. Everyone else seemed to get it. t think that last statement you made is more ignorant than anything else stated in this thread. You're assuming that women must have to take steroids to have muscle definition. I know women in real life who are not body builders yet are extremely defined and not on steroids. It's not impossible for women to be muscularly defined naturally through working out

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

You say muscle definition, but you show huge muscles. Sorry Pauline Nordin has definitely done steroids. Not many people question it. Girls can't naturally get huge triceps and vascularity like that. Professional female boxers don't have that much size/definition in their arms.. and they're professional boxers. And they don't, because unlike Pauline Nordin, they have to face regular drug screening. It's not because Pauline Nordin is more committed to arm strength than Laila Ali.

[Asker]

Sure, I can agree with that. Maybe not that big but most people understood what I was talking about. I have seen regular women with six-packs, biceps, and quads who got that way from intense training, not drugs. That's the point of this question, I was wondering if guys like muscular women or prefer no definition at all, just toned. I mean...it's just a simple question. If you didn't like it then no need to answer.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

Your question, although not as bad and crazy as pickledxtofu's

link

Still shows the crazy desire of the GaG community to associate all mentions of female fitness and ties to female fitness bad and distasteful.

You know, because it is common knowledge, most guys don't like super muscular women. Don't pretend like this post was to try and figure that out. You tied "fit" with an extreme and "tone"

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

and "tone" with beauty.. I don't think that was accidental or without alterior motives / venting.

[Asker]

Obviously not all guys are the same. As I said, the purpose of the post is because I've legitimately seen muscularly defined women in real life and was wondering if men were into that or why else would a woman strive to build such muscle, if not purely for aesthetic reasons. Again, if you didn't like it there was no need to answer.

[Asker]

I don't look like either of the women in the links I mentioned. I'm skinny but I have no muscle and a slight stomach pudge so this post doesn't benefit me at all.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

I guess my point is, there was a very less bias and more forward way of asking this question that didn't discredit female fitness everywhere.. and I'm not entirely certain why you neglected to take that approach. And frankly, I do get aggravated when people on here always associate female fitness with bodybuilders as if that's normal and any girl that works out will inevitably turn into that. I mean if you look at pickledtofus question.. there are actually people agreeing with her on here

[Asker]

Well I can't control what other people do. I fail to see how this "discredit's" female fitness, no, anyone with an ounce of intelligence should know, of course women can't look like the first link overnight but I've legitimately seen women work extremely hard to build bodies like that or at least with some level of definition. The toned girls just have flat stomachs, not six-packs like I've seen some women have. That's the main difference I'm referencing.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

It drives me mad, that people could associate a woman training for health with personality disorders. It doesn't even make sense. So maybe I'm just mostly annoyed by that. But I do think your pictures and labels are largely misleading. Here's a woman who better defines your question of beauty with muscle definition

link

Pauline Nordin is a big no no however. I don't think you know many like her.

[Asker]

I understand your point of view and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just think you're blowing it out of proportion. Sure, maybe it's worded wrong but it shouldn't be that difficult to understand what I'm talking about. I clearly said muscle definition multiple times which is kind of obvious to know what that means as opposed to simply "toned." Anyway, without all the insults, I could have had more respect for your initial answer.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

What are beliefs without passion? I won't rehash the same arguments other than to say I still find your question misleading. The only girl representative to what you intended being the 3rd link, a girl with a super ugly face. Give her a model's head and make her the only picture and I think the answers would be a little more conflicted and sincere. But as is, it's a blow out. And I'm sure you knew it'd be with the pictures you gave to represent the fit girls you know (who's arms don't compare)

[Asker]

Having passionate beliefs doesn't require insulting others in the process. That just hurts your own argument and loses respect for you. It's fine if you find it misleading. Doesn't bother me in the least bit. Everyone else seemed to get it. Have a good day.

[Izzy2102]

No photoshop? Are you serious there is massive photoshopping done there, I didn't even think that would be up to question.

The point is female athletes may not look like bodybuilders but they do have quite a bit of muscle definition and often wide shoulders and small waists. Not like models. Since you only choose photoshopped pictures I wasn't sure were aware of that

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

Everyone else seems to hate female fitness on here, so I understand why they get it. Doesn't make it valid. Everyone in Germany agreed with Hitler that Jews were the cause of their economic crisis... doesn't mean it made sense.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

And yes, the difference in definition in those photos have nothing to do with photoshop it has everything to do with them flexing vs not flexing. And even flexing there is barely any difference in Kournikova abs. Laying down abs =/= standing up abs. Also maybe you should consider the idea that there is a difference in weight by 2-5 lbs between the pictures considering they were taken at completely separate times. And Laila in boxing gear + ponytail =/= manlier body than swim suit photo.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

Point being, when they pose like regular models, they look like regular models. When they flex, of course they look more muscular than a modeling pose. I would think that'd be obvious and not up to question ;)

[iPood]

this is the best answer for sure.

[Frost_Byt3]

Yes! These girls are actually attractive! Unlike almost all the girls the asker showed.

[Koldhearted]

Selena Gomez pls.

Shouldn't have put a celebrity.

[Asker]

Why does it matter if she's a celebrity? I'm only referring to body types and that image was a good picture of the type of body I'm referring to in this question.

[Koldhearted]

Fame plays into it.

But the muscular ones are nty. I mean they're still pretty, but all the muscle hurts their appearance me. If they had clothes tho it'd be different.

[Cromartie]

Actually I completely agree. I wasn't going to say anything but two of the "toned" women are models or celebrities in probably photoshopped images.

Basically that's bullshit.

[Koldhearted]

Let's put it this way

Would you rather sleep with channing Tatum or his twin brother ?

[Asker]

Ah okay.

@Cromartie: True, I understand that point. But, regardless if it may or may not be photoshopped, that's simply the body type I'm referring to and you could easily find plenty of other images with that same body type. Those were just the least blurry ones and they were posed in a way that I felt showed what I was taking about easier.

[Cromartie]

link This is a fitness model. She is muscular, strong, and feminine. She is not the first thing you get when you type "Muscular Woman" into Google Images. XD

[Cromartie]

Despite the airbrushing this woman has a six pack.

[Asker]

She doesn't have a visible six-pack though which is what I'm referring to. Yes, she has a flat stomach but I'm talking about women where it is more noticeable that they are clearly muscular.

[pickledxtofu]

Yeah, that's not muscular. The chick you linked Cromartie fits into the toned category

[Cromartie]

She does, she's not flexing ( which is why the pictures were so unfair to begin with ) and that's the wonder of photoshop. Fight fire with fire!

[Asker]

If a woman is really defined, she wouldn't need to flex to show that. People would still be able to tell. That girl does look more toned than muscular.

[Anonymous]

So... before we go freaking out on muscular women, about naturally large muscle on women "isn't possible," let it be known that some women have a naturally higher androgen production (= more testosterone) and can build muscle like beasts... lady beasts. I have abnormally high levels of both estrogen and testosterone. The result is that I am chesty with hips and a booty, but also very muscular. I do spend a significant amount of time weight lifting because... f*ck it, it's my body, I do what I want. I like lifting heavy stuff.

It cracks me up when I hear the personal trainers tell the ladies, "Don't worry, you won't bulk up lifting heavy weights; ladies don't have the muscle composition for it." I want to flex my interjection with... "You sure about that? Did you also snag a doctorate degree in endocrinology while completing your thirty second personal training cert?" Gahh. Some women WILL bulk up with heavy weights. Trust me. It depends on your genetics, nutrition, muscle composition, prior athleticism and hormones.

As far as answering the question: The ladies photographed all appear to feel attractive, therefore, they are.

[fun-weird-guy]

You make a very good point

[isthisthingon]

Every man has different taste. But not to sound mean or anything but there are women who are toned who may be flat chested and have no round backside but still be considered unattractive. I am personally trying to lose weight and my goal is to be toned after I lose all the bodyfat I need to. I am doing this for myself though.

[pickledxtofu]

Muscular is a masculine, manly trait. Not many guys find muscular women attractive.

Could be why Lolo Jones is still a virgin...

link

But being toned still allows for femininity as the women you've posted still have womanly and/or petite figures

[Levin]

I agree with the other fellow. Soft, cardiovascularly, sustainably, fit; with a good diet and lifestyle. People that enjoy playing down to earth sports and jogging, as oppose to people who specifically go to the gym to focus on specific muscle groups.

[tts1980]

Looking at the first pic of the second set, she seems closer to the first set than the other 2 pics. The girls in the other 2 pics are more on the skinny side to me (i.e. less muscle mass), I am not quite sure if I would say they are toned. A bit more mass (both muscle and fat) would bring them closer to my idea of toned. If I really have to choose from the above 2 sets, I would go for the second as the more attractive.

[WeaponZero]

I do prefer visible muscle definition, yes, but not at the level in the examples you used, which are professional bodybuilders. Try to find a more "real world" example please.

[Asker]

I guess the 3rd link would make more sense or the link IPood provided in her comment is more along the lines of what my intentions were regarding visible muscle definition.

[Tarvold]

To me, wish the exception of Selena Gomez, I found all the women in your links attractive, and it'd be hard for me to choose between them in general.

However, of all the women individually in the links, link I found the most attractive.

[doctorwhofan23]

I'll be honest I find the toned women more attractive,it looks more feminine to me.

[Asker]

Hey! Congrats on becoming a super mod! :)

[doctorwhofan23]

Thanks

[Gravy_Davey]

Toned!

musclier is just masculine and maybe intimidating to some men.

[kairon156]

I pick toned. muscle is kind of a turn off for me.

[Anonymous]

I have nothing against the first set of links but I strongly prefer the second set of not so muscular girls.

[qmusclelvoer]

Muscular

[Frost_Byt3]

Definitely toned BY FAR. Muscles like the top pictures are the number one biggest turn off. Like... its enough to be a deal breaker for any girl.

[Frost_Byt3]

I don't know, the only one out of the toned pictures that looked ok was this girl: images.sodahead.com/.../...10_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg
The rest of them in both the "fit" AND "toned" category are just wayyyy too muscular.

[RedThread]

Definitely toned.. I don't find huge muscles on a woman to be attractive for whatever reason..

[Anonymous]

Toned or less. A muscular woman looks non-feminine to me. I don't like that.

[Luv2BRealExotic13]

Toned. Poll dancers, Aerial Twirlers and really just any dancers in general are toned.

[Anonymous]

I like women with a little muscle definition. I don't want a dainty flower. I think noticeable six-packs are hot on women.

[Anonymous]

I don't like either, to be honest. My type is closer to this:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/AzfeizLCIAAKI4O.jpg

[BoobMan]

Of all of those, my favorite is your update image for the toned girl.

[CasaNorba]

i say toned... but with more fat in the right places of course

[Anonymous]

Toned girls are hot! Muscular girls are unattractive.

[iPood]

The muscular images you showed *are* bodybuilders lol. Toned is generally seen as more attractive for women.

[Asker]

The point of my opening statement is, when someone thinks of a body builder, they typically think of this: link The links I provide are not THAT muscular. I assumed people would realize what muscle definition means. I'm just talking about women where it's visible but not "over the top" muscular.

[iPood]

the pictures you posted under muscular look like bodybuilders... They are extremely muscular. Jamie Eason is very muscular and so is the other girl. Definition is more like: link That's visible but not over the top. What you posted was extremely muscular women.

[Asker]

Well that's not what I meant. I was just trying to make a differentiation from the toned type. Yes, the link you provided describes my intentions.

[pickledxtofu]

People on here are just being technical to be smart asses. Let's face it, society views muscular as one thing and toned as another. Getting into the technicality of bodybuilder vs athletic is a way of holding into a ridiculous argument

[iPood]

not really...she specifically said "not bodybuilders" and then posts pictures of... bodybuilders.

[Kartive]

Neither the "soft" look is the best in my opinion.