Definition of "buff" via a woman + attractiveness

Chloe_Chaos_

I had a discussion (some may say disagreement lol) with my boyfriend today because I told him that I wanted to get "buff". I think he interpreted my version of "buff" as his version of "ripped" "jacked" or "juice head". I am only 22 and I want to see what I can push my body to do. I've never been muscular but I want to be seriously toned. I don't want to live in the gym but I want to eat clean and kick my *kitten* when I do hit the gym. He says that "buff" is not something that girls "do", I told him he was full of sh*! and that I do a lot of things girls don't "do" (ie: COD, GOW, working on cars, etc...).

I think that "buff" is a very subjective word but is wanting to be seriously fit and healthy wrong?
I look at some women that have amazing arms and think "man her body is amazing" then I go to the gym, I want people to be motivated by me, is that a crime?
I know some guys are going to say that ripped women are hot, I dont want to look like a body builder, but I wouldn't mind toting around a couple of guns if you know what I mean lol.

My definition of "buff":
http://pinterest.com/pin/122019471123878890/
http://pinterest.com/pin/122019471123989519/

This is not what I'm shooting for...
http://pinterest.com/pin/122019471123973245/

Rayman79

I thnk I was able to pick the images out of that lot for you! Fingers crossed.

I had a discussion (some may say disagreement lol) with my boyfriend today because I told him that I wanted to get "buff". I think he interpreted my version of "buff" as his version of "ripped" "jacked" or "juice head". I am only 22 and I want to see what I can push my body to do. I've never been muscular but I want to be seriously toned. I don't want to live in the gym but I want to eat clean and kick my *kitten* when I do hit the gym. He says that "buff" is not something that girls "do", I told him he was full of sh*! and that I do a lot of things girls don't "do" (ie: COD, GOW, working on cars, etc...).

I think that "buff" is a very subjective word but is wanting to be seriously fit and healthy wrong?
I look at some women that have amazing arms and think "man her body is amazing" then I go to the gym, I want people to be motivated by me, is that a crime?
I know some guys are going to say that ripped women are hot, I dont want to look like a body builder, but I wouldn't mind toting around a couple of guns if you know what I mean lol.



This is not what I'm shooting for...

Chloe_Chaos_

Ahaha! Thank you!
I'm unsure of what the code for embedding on here is!

SergeantSunshine_reused

Exactly! When most people think buff women, that is what they thing of though. I think "lean and strong" is what I usually say when I am not on here.

Btw thx for the links. Now I can pin them too!

Rayman79

In truth though, I don't think there is a huge amount of difference in amount of muscle mass between these two women. If the model in the top pic did an agressive cut, and dehydrated (as the bottom model likely did for the photo shoot), they wouldn't look too different - other than the quad size maybe.

It just goes to show what a difference having that extra few %bf does for overall appearance and the buff vs ripped look.

Chloe_Chaos_

In truth though, I don't think there is a huge amount of difference in amount of muscle mass between these two women. If the model in the top pic did an agressive cut, and dehydrated (as the bottom model likely did for the photo shoot), they wouldn't look too different - other than the quad size maybe.

I guess I just mean that I'm not trying to eat hundreds of grams of protein and train for hours and hours. I do not wish to do laundry on my abs. I just want to be lean with a killer back and arms. I've been working on my pull-ups :happy:

JennieAL

Agree with Rayman... not too much of a difference. I like them all.

mznisaelaine

I would be scared to look at myself if I looked like the girl in the second picture... I think being fit is attractive so that's what I'm aiming for.. But I don't think muscles as the size of golf balls popping out of my next and thighs would attract the guys

annameier8706

In truth though, I don't think there is a huge amount of difference in amount of muscle mass between these two women. If the model in the top pic did an agressive cut, and dehydrated (as the bottom model likely did for the photo shoot), they wouldn't look too different - other than the quad size maybe.

It just goes to show what a difference having that extra few %bf does for overall appearance and the buff vs ripped look.

Probably not in the quad size even. Look at the stance, the top girl has her feet turned in and the girl on the bottom has her feet turned out, ehancing the appearance of her quads.

christine24t

I don't think women usually refer to themselves as buff so that is why I think there was confusion. I would say "toned."

ashleab37

I personally think the first 2 images you've posted aren't very attractive for females either.

JennieAL

Clothed, the second girl probably isn't going to look too much out of the ordinary, maybe just in her thighs. But only the guy (or guys) who sees her in a swimsuit or naked in bed are gonna see the definition...

Do guys honestly find this is too much definition on a woman? Curious.

Chloe_Chaos_

I don't think women usually refer to themselves as buff so that is why I think there was confusion. I would say "toned."

but I supposed that's where I think it's unfair because my definition of "toned" is less than "buff" lol

I know it's entirely subjective to what each individual decides of which meaning.

I just think, is it wrong for me to want to push my body to see how far I can go with the amount of effort I'm willing to put in?

Chloe_Chaos_

Clothed, the second girl probably isn't going to look too much out of the ordinary, maybe just in her thighs. But only the guy (or guys) who sees her in a swimsuit or naked in bed are gonna see the definition...

Do guys honestly find this is too much definition on a woman? Curious.

I think it totally depends on the guy.
Just like some girls wouldn't want to look like any of the pictures I posted.

JennieAL

I just think, is it wrong for me to want to push my body to see how far I can go with the amount of effort I'm willing to put in?

Hell no. Go for it!

Chloe_Chaos_

Mostly I just want to know (regardless of what your preference of body image is), is it wrong for me to want people to see my physique and be motivated by me? Is it wrong for me to want to be a normal girl but "buff" "toned" or whatever your definition might be?

Rayman79

I just think, is it wrong for me to want to push my body to see how far I can go with the amount of effort I'm willing to put in?

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is what we should strive for. Be it physically, intellectually, spiritually, or with any aspect of our life, I believe we should always be pushing ourselves to achieve what we may at first deem impossible.

Good on you for wanting to strive to see what you can achieve. Your husband will (or at least should) always love you for who you are, and being happier in yourself is an incredibly attractive quality!

Chloe_Chaos_

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is what we should strive for. Be it physically, intellectually, spiritually, or with any aspect of our life, I believe we should always be pushing ourselves to achieve what we may at first deem impossible.

Good on you for wanting to strive to see what you can achieve. Your husband will (or at least should) always love you for who you are, and being happier in yourself is an incredibly attractive quality!

Thank you! That's what I think!

Chloe_Chaos_

I recently caved and took "before" pictures (cringe) so that I HAVE to take "after" pictures. And trust me when I say that I want the "after" to be something that I am PROUD to show everyone everywhere! lol

AZKristi

All three pics are a little bit more "buff" than what I am aiming for. Nevertheless, it should not matter what I (or anyone else thinks is attractive). It is YOUR body and you shouldn't let anyone else put limits on your goals and dreams.

grapenutSF

of course it's not wrong. i have a feeling you know that. check out a superhero, admired by many of us here. she's motivating and buff (yes, buff):

http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Chloe_Chaos_

of course it's not wrong. i have a feeling you know that. check out a superhero, admired by many of us here. she's motivating and buff (yes, buff):

http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

I actually read this earlier today! She's awesome!
Sometimes I just want confirmation (regardless of which side of the fence a person is on) that indeed I am right to push forward and push myself to the limit.

We only live once, right? Why not make it an amazing once?

Chloe_Chaos_

BTW grapenut SF, you have an AMAZING back and arms.

Superbritt2drescu

This is the first one you posted

and totally what I would love too look like!

ETA: my legs bulk up easier than my upper body, so I'm trying to keep it even. I don't want do be totally defined. Have no want for a six pack, just want to see arm muscles mostly.

qtiekiki

There's nothing wrong with pushing yourself. It's your body, your choice. Can't wait to see your after pics.

Chloe_Chaos_

This is the first one you posted

and totally what I would love too look like!

ETA: my legs bulk up easier than my upper body, so I'm trying to keep it even. I don't want do be totally defined. Have no want for a six pack, just want to see arm muscles mostly.

I am EXACTLY like that! My quads have already began to lean out (I can do leg presses forever) but I am trying to work my glutes, arms, and back more so they can get where I want to be. I already see the different in my arms as they are becoming more tone, I'm hoping the fact that I lift a lot will help me burn fat though. My mid section is where I have all of my weight, mostly the "muffin top" area. I gotta work on that more, still trying to find good exercises for that area.

Superbritt2drescu

I'm like that too.. I want to get rid of my muffin top and lil pouch on the front. Otherwise its about gaining strength and stamina to me.

JadeRabbit08

That first pic is exactly what inspires me oh and my avatar pic.

I love the idea of being strong and capable.

Go for it!

jennifershoo

I wish when I was 22 I had the same goal as you. I was young and just didn't care.
Go for it! You're gonna be a super babe!

Chloe_Chaos_

I wish when I was 22 I had the same goal as you. I was young and just didn't care.
Go for it! You're gonna be a super babe!

Thanks Jennifer. I figure that I was never the "hot" skinny girl in high school, but I could be the hot fit and healthy girl as I graduate college.

Luthorcrow

Mostly I just want to know (regardless of what your preference of body image is), is it wrong for me to want people to see my physique and be motivated by me? Is it wrong for me to want to be a normal girl but "buff" "toned" or whatever your definition might be?

I think your boyfriend was being silly. Of course women can be buff. I actually thought all three women you post looked fine. Keep in mind the last women was in competitive shape and obviously does not maintain that low of a level of body fat year round. Aside from the rare (genetic or juiced) extreme female body builder that look more male than female (rare exception, most female body builders actually look very feminine), it's all good.

Personally, when a woman can look super fit, it's definitely impressive because it is much hard to achieve given the genders carry body fat. For a guy, it is just way easier. I mean our essential body fat can go below 5%, that's just not fair.

By the way, I thought your "plank" demonstration between the two boats in your profile is pretty impressive.