\nMany would say bodybuilding is the practice of maximizing both leanness and muscle mass. Others believe it is the pursuit of an aesthetic physique. While these may sound the same, there is a difference: just because a physique is leaner or carries more muscle mass does not necessarily mean it is more aesthetic. Most people would agree that “mass monsters” are less aesthetic than Henry Cavill in Man of Steel.<\/em>\n<\/p>\n\n \nFrom what I can tell, the concept of bodybuilding as the process of getting as big and lean as possible is a more recent concept. The earliest bodybuilders valued aesthetics above dramatic muscle mass and body fat levels. Eugen Sandow, one of the first prominent bodybuilders, explicitly tried to replicate the proportions of classical statues. This is not to say that everyone looking to build an aesthetic physique over pure extremity needs to pursue specific proportions (and in a future post, I will explain why I actually do not recommend this); all that matters is the goal one has in developing their physique.\n<\/p>\n\n \nFurther reading:\n<\/p>\n