Herakles või Apollo: milline on sinu meessoost ilu ja mis on täna trendikas?

trainer, author of the Bodybuilding and Fitness portal

Pure somatotypes – varieties of male figures – are only three. These are ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.

The types of male beauty are two. Their vivid illustrations we find in Greek mythology. These are Hercules and Apollo. The first corresponds to the type of mesomorph, and the second – ectomorph. What features correspond to them and what is in trend today?

Both types of constitution are attractive and aesthetic, but they are fundamentally different.

Type “Hercules” (mesomorph)

Here we are talking about a physique in which muscle mass predominates over bone and fat. This constitution is characterized by a pronounced musculature of large (compared to other types) volumes.

Bones of mesomorphs are more often wide, which is perfectly visible on wrists and ankles. Wide shoulders and a medium waist are also characteristic.

Hercules and Cerberus. Hofburg, Vienna

Advantages of the Hercules type

1. High strength performance.

2. Ability to perform strength training for long periods of time. 3.

3. rapid muscle mass gain (compared to other body types).

Fragment of a sculpture of Hercules and Nessus. Florence, Italy

Disadvantages of the type “Hercules”

1. The relief of the musculature is less pronounced than in the ectomorph. Means that a mesomorph will have to correct it with training and nutrition.

2. Men with this type are more prone to obesity than those with the Apollo constitution.

Apollo type (ectomorph).

Here we are talking about a physique with a predominance of bone tissue. Muscle tissue is less, and fatty tissue – very little. Nowadays, such guys are called “hardgainers”.

The owners of the Apollo physique have narrow shoulders and waist, long and thin limbs. Their wrists and ankles are slim.

Statue of Apollo in Athens, Greece

Advantages of the Apollo type

1. better, in comparison with other types of constitution, relief of musculature.

2. Minimal risk of fatty tissue gain.

3. Possibility not to resort to special nutrition. For example, where you should exclude fast carbohydrates, watch the number of calories and portion size.

Apollo of Belvedere

4. With proper nutrition and competent training, the “ectomorph” will visually be more aesthetic and proportional than other types of constitution.

Disadvantages of the Apollo type

1. Gaining muscle mass is slow and hard.

2. It is very difficult for Apollo types to maintain mass.

3. ectomorphs are inferior in endurance and strength to mesomorphs.

Dwayne Johnson as Hercules

Which figure is more relevant today?

Here it is important to mention that there is no arguing about tastes. If we take the preferences of women, someone may like more powerful, heavy men (Hercules), and someone – more graceful and slender (Apollo). If we are talking about trends in bodybuilding, we have to admit that the first hero is still in honor.

The constitution of Hercules is clearly preferable. Why? The fashion for exaggerated volumes is to blame. Alas, the line between norm and pathology has been erased today.

In the past (even in the recent past), a more natural figure was preferred. Something closer to Apollo. Who knows, we may soon be moving more decisively towards health and naturalness.