What is a Classic Physique?

[Nick]

Bodybuilder Steve Reeves is known for having a classic physique, but what exactly does that mean? To me its the best physique you can get for yourself. To have a classic physique means your body is in symmetry--your biceps, calves, and neck should all be measured the same. Steve's measurements were 18 1/4. You should have a narrow waist and hips and a wide set of shoulders. Your back should be in a V shape. If that's your goal, look at the Hercules Workout Plan posted on the site to show you what you can do to reach that goal.

If you want those wide shoulders, this is how you do it. You should use a wide grip when you're doing exercises like bench pressing, behind the neck press, and behind the neck pulldown. As Steve says, "train wide to be wide."



If you want to achieve a classic physique one muscle group you should avoid working is the traps. Overdeveloped traps will give you a round-shouldered look. The bigger your traps, the more narrow your shoulders will appear. Also avoid the obliques. Working these too much will make your waist look wider.

[Tim]

You know I wonder about the obliques, I can see in Steve Reeve's picture he does have a small waste. I've always fought the battle against the spare tire. I don't really do any exercises specifically for the obliques though, but I've wondered whether or not exercising them would help make a person appear thinner or not.

I read once that doing heavy exercises for the stomach would make your stomach stick out more and that one should do more reps.

So does that mean Steve Reeves didn't do any twisting in his sit ups?

That's interesting about the traps. I'm going to go back over the Steve Reeves workout plan you posted. I'm learning new stuff. Always trying to learn more when it comes to workouts and fitness.

What I want is for my shoulders to look bigger, wider, and more defined. The action hero kind of look like a cross between Rambo and Van Damme back in the 80's. Super ripped.

[Nick]

Just so you know what I said about the obliques was not just my opinion but came straight from Steve himself, I just put it into my own words.

Steve didn't do sit-ups. In fact he didn't train his abs at all if you can believe that! You know I can probably post another topic on ab training. I think I'll do that.

The wide shoulders is what I want too. I think the wide grip may be the best way to go. I will say that it looks to me like my shoulders have gotten wider since I started Steve's workout early this year. Its not working as fast for me as it did for him though.