Doing It By The Numbers

INTRODUCTION THE CONCEPT

Symmetrical Balance is a concept and terminology that utilizes a specific mathematical equation in achieving a balanced symmetry of the human body as it relates to physical fitness. This concept dates back to the late 1950’s, which introduced a basic numerical measurement to the human bodies’ wrist that is then multiplied by predetermined mathematical equations for multiple body parts. The results ultimately provide the ideal symmetrical body proportions that include the neck, shoulders, bicep/triceps, forearms, chest, abs, thighs, and calves.

Modern day fitness programs have missed the mark on promoting a more balanced plan to physique molding and shaping. For years, fitness trainers and individual fitness athletes have used only one resource to identify a balanced physique by simply utilizing a mirror or camera. Well, that has NOW changed!

Classic Physiques of the 1940’s & 1950’s

Symmetrical Balance is a term I have come to use to describe the classic physiques of a small group of natural bodybuilders that were popular in the 1940s and 1950s that were used in movies due their athletic appeal and overall balance of their physiques. This was also in a time where physiques were very clean and before the heavy use of steroids.

Steve Reeves was a well-known bodybuilder that had achieved the titles of Mr. America of 1947, Mr. World of 1948, and Mr. Universe of 1950. Due to his clean physique proportions, he was later casted in the lead role as Hercules in 1958. [1]
Steve Reeves measurements were height (6′ 1″), weight (215 lbs), neck (18 1/4 in), arms (18 1/4 in), calves (18 1/4 in), chest (52 in), waist (29 in), forearm (14 3/4 in), wrist (7 1/4 in).[2]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Reeves

[2] http://classicphysiquebuilder.blogspot.com/2007/09/reg-park-and-steve-reeves-different.html

Reg Park was also a well-known bodybuilder coming on the heels of Steve Reeves. Reg had achieved the titles of Mr. Universe in 1951, 1958 and 1965. Due to his physique proportions, he was also casted in the movie Hercules Conquers Atlantis (1962 UK title) Hercules and the Captive Women (1963 US title) [3]
Although Reg’s physique seems bulkier and more massive than Steve Reeves, their measurements were very similar. Reg’s measurements were height (6′ 0″), weight (218 lbs), neck (18 in), arms (18 1/4 in), calves (17 1/2 in), chest (53 in), waist (32 in), forearm (14 1/4 in), wrist (8 in). [4]

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reg_Park

[4] http://classicphysiquebuilder.blogspot.com/2007/09/reg-park-and-steve-reeves-different.html

Physiques of the Greek & Roman Sculptures

Symmetrical Balance also helps define the physique proportions used for many of the Greek and Roman statues. Thanks to Google, I was able to somewhat verify that many of these statues use a very similar mathematical equation.

Eugen Sandow a German bodybuilder and showman from Prussia was renowned for his resemblance to classical Greek and Roman sculptures. These statues were celebrated for their portrayal of the ideal male body—a small waist that expands upward into a broad, muscular chest and shoulders, balanced by a pair of powerful legs.
Eugen Sandow measured the statues in museums he aspired to look like and found they had certain proportions between body parts in common. From this observation, Sandow developed a blueprint for the perfect physique, which he called the “Grecian Ideal.”[5]

[5] https://legionathletics.com/ideal-male-body/#the-golden-ratio-and-the-ideal-male-body

PLEASE see the following article that explains some or the origins (Roman Times to present) of the
mathematical equations that relate to the Ideal Male Body:
How to Build the Mathematically Ideal Male Body (According to Science)

Written by Michael Matthews and Scientifically Reviewed by Dr. Brian Grant
https://legionathletics.com/ideal-male-body/#the-golden-ratio-and-the-ideal-male-body

- - - Golden Ratio (300 BC. – Euclid)
    - Divine Proportion or Golden Ratio (1487 AD. – Leonardo da Vinci)
    - Grecian Ideal (1894 AD. – Eugen Sandow)