Find out the most important muscles to train to look sexy. This is intended specifically for women so that you can work towards looking your physical best.
Note: this article is not intended to force any convention on women that they must look a certain way. This article is intended for the general female population who want to look attractive for their counterpart and understand which muscles are more important to focus on compared to other.
Women engage in training for a multitude of reasons that go beyond the superficial. Training can be a powerful tool for enhancing health, boosting strength, and asserting autonomy in a society often skewed by gendered expectations. Yet, amidst these noble pursuits, the idea of aesthetic motivation persists, guiding many to sculpt their bodies into forms they perceive as more desirable or attractive.
And before you jump to conclusions that we are only promoting this for women, we have previously covered how to look more muscular – and that is mainly targeted at men.
7 Ways to Look More Muscular
For women, navigating the fitness landscape is about balancing strength with femininity, challenging societal norms while embracing personal goals. Whether driven by health, empowerment, or aesthetics, the journey is as varied as the individuals themselves. This exploration delves into the intricate dance between training for strength, challenging societal expectations, and pursuing the age-old quest for physical appeal.
Source: Sandra Seitamaa on PexelsThe information for this article is based on a video shared by Mike Israetel from Renaissance Periodization. Dr Mike Israetel, PhD in Sport Physiology and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, is a well-respected professor in the bodybuilding community. He doesn’t only talk about workouts and fitness tips, he often dives deep into health and nutrition.
And yes, Mike Israetel is a man, so that is why he didn’t talk alone about the most important muscles to train to look sexy for women. He brought in Dr. Christle Guevarra. She is part of the Renaissance Periodization team, she is a licensed physician (DO), master of surgery (MO) and is certified of added qualification in sports medicine (CAQSM). And she is a woman, so she can vouch, or not, for whatever Mike Israetel talks about.
Related: Why Men and Women Must Train Differently
Most Important Muscles To Train To Look Sexy
While the motivations for training are as diverse as the individuals themselves, there’s a universal thread that weaves through the narrative of female fitness: the pursuit of a physique that not only resonates with strength but also aligns with personal ideals of beauty.
So let’s dig deep into Israetel’s rank of the most important muscles to train to look sexy for women. The first 5 muscles are deemed more important, while the last 5 are less important. And yes, it is ranked from most important to least important, so pay attention.
And below each of these muscle groups you should focus on, we are going to give you a link to exercises to efficiently target that area.
1. Glutes:
The glutes are often celebrated as the crown jewel of female fitness, representing both aesthetic allure and formidable strength. Mike Israetel underscores their importance, noting, “The glutes stand at the forefront of female fitness goals, often heralded as the epitome of feminine allure.” This statement encapsulates the dual role of glute training in enhancing physical beauty and functional strength, encouraging women to embrace the sweat and dedication required to sculpt this key muscle group.
9 Best Exercises For A Nice Butt – Included Free Glutes Workout
2. Quads:
The quads are not just about aesthetics; they are the engines of strength, enabling women to perform robust activities. Israetel remarks, “Quads as a lady give you that Wonder Woman goddess energy.” This comparison elevates the status of quad training, associating it with empowerment and an almost divine form of strength that transcends mere physicality.
16 Quad Exercises Ranked Worst to Best
3. Hamstrings:
These muscles work in harmony with the glutes to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing lower body. Israetel points out, “Hamstrings… lift the glutes a little bit, they make it a separation,” highlighting their role in enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of the lower body.
7 Key Exercises for Building Powerful Hamstrings
4. Calves:
Source: Anastasia Shuraeva on PexelsWhile often overlooked, calves are essential for stability and aesthetic completeness. Israetel’s take is that “Calves to me… you just want to grab them,” which, while humorous, underscores the appeal of well-developed calves as part of a comprehensive fitness approach.
Most Effective Workout for Bigger and Stronger Calves
5. Back:
A strong back is not just about looking good; it’s about foundational strength. Israetel explains, “A sexy muscular back… allows you to wear backless everything.” This comment reflects the confidence that comes with a strong back, empowering women to showcase their strength and defy traditional clothing norms.
Back Exercises to Build Muscle and Strength
Beyond the Top Five: The Lesser Focused Muscles
Below are the muscles that are less important to focus on if you goal is to simply look sexier. Sure, these are important muscle groups, even highly functional, but if you simply want to look as sexy as you can be, it should be less relevant for you workouts.
6. Traps:
While traps might not be the primary focus for many women, they contribute to a refined neck and shoulder line. Israetel suggests, “Traps… gently tilt your head to the side,” indicating the subtle yet impactful role traps play in overall posture and appearance.
Trap Exercises Ranked (Best to Worse)
7. Delts:
Delts add a sculptural quality to a woman’s upper body. According to Israetel, they “give you that… feminine strength,” highlighting how well-defined delts can signify power while maintaining a feminine aesthetic.
3 Best Exercises For All 3 Parts of the Shoulder
8. Chest:
Often underemphasised in female training routines, the chest supports upper body symmetry. Israetel believes that “a real woman has a muscular chest,” advocating for chest training as a means of embracing strength and defying stereotypes.
Chest Exercises Ranked Best to Worst
9. Arms:
Toned arms are not just for show; they symbolize functional strength. Israetel’s perspective is that “big arms… it’s a good way to get men to touch you,” injecting humour into the discussion while acknowledging the social and functional benefits of arm strength.
7 arm workouts to increase size and strength
10. Abs:
Positioned last in the hierarchy, abs are often coveted but not as crucial as other muscle groups. Israetel notes, “Nobody gives a **** about abs,” challenging the overemphasis on abs and redirecting focus to overall strength and health.
The Only 3 Six-Pack Core Exercises You Need to Improve Your Looks
To fully understand the most important muscles for women to train to look sexy, and to get a glimpse of his typical humour from Mike Israetel, you can simply watch the video below. Though long, it is deep rooted in information that might help you comprehend why these muscles are ranked higher in the “sexiness” aspect.
Read More: Best Way to Get Fit After Having a Baby
