Bodybuilding Men Shockingly Reveal What They Really Want in a Partner—And It’s Not What You Think
Is there really a “type” that bodybuilders swoon over, or is love just as diverse as a pre-workout flavor lineup? When a 2024 video of a curvy influencer and her chiseled partner resurfaced and sparked a wildfire of opinions—ranging from heartfelt support to downright harsh criticisms—it became clear people have some pretty strong feelings about what men with muscles want in a mate. Are they drawn exclusively to equally buff partners, or do they prefer someone who doesn’t see the gym as their second home? The debate is juicy, the comments fly fast, and studies over the years hint that attraction doesn’t come in one strict body type. So, hang on tight, because this viral clip has opened up a whole can of body-image worms—and it’s got everyone talking about love, fitness, and whether “competition” extends beyond the squat rack. LEARN MORE
Relationship experts often say people with similar interests gravitate toward each other, including men with active lifestyles.
Users got into an argument on the matter when a two-year-old video recently went viral, sparking a debate about the type of women who appeal most to men interested in physical fitness.
The video, with 4.7 million views, shows a female influencer posing with her male partner, prompting viewers to leave harsh comments accusing her of being “overweight” and “ugly.”
- An influencer’s 2024 video about her and her male partner’s physique recently went viral.
- It prompted a debate over whether bodybuilding men prefer to date women who also work out, or someone who does not.
- Multiple studies have shown mixed results over the years, suggesting it depends on individual preferences.
“Ewww, he is attractive, but why is he settling for this pig?” one viewer wrote at the time.
On November 2, 2026, a social media account shared the video and asked a “silly” question about the dating preferences of men who work out.
An influencer’s 2024 video sparked debate over dating preferences of men who work out
In April 2024, Cat Weiss, a content creator with over 50,000 followers, shared a video of getting ready with her partner.
The clip put her curves and the man’s toned, bulked-up figure on display.
“This is going to make some of you unreasonably angry,” she wrote in the caption.
Proving her right, many netizens made unsavory comments at the time.
“I’m mostly just grossed out by it,” one wrote. Another commented, “Some men like more jelly on their toast.”
This is going to make some of you unreasonably angry https://t.co/IxgFyHnaEl
— PhilosophiCat (@Philosophi_Cat) April 11, 2024
“I’m glad two people found each other! If anyone is mad at them, they’re the problem,” said one of the few who defended the influencer.
The video was recently shared by another social media user, saying, “Can I ask a silly question? Why do bodybuilders mostly date out-of-shape women?”
Netizens argued over the role body size plays in romantic relationships
Viewers came up with their theories, with some dismissing the question right away while a few claimed that “they both have body image issues.”
“Because they are not shallow-minded and not superficial towards women they love?” one answered. Another said, “Because the point of getting swole is to carry thick women.”
A third wrote, “Because they don’t want competition in the gym with their spouse.” A fourth joked, “Weight training never stops, even in the bedroom.”
“It’s because they don’t wanna compete with their partner. They wanna be the fit one and feel great about themselves,” one suggestion read.
“They have higher testosterone and so are attracted to more feminine features,” one more opined.
As the post continued to garner millions of views, Weiss posted a new comment under her 2024 video, saying, “Guys, this was posted two and a half years ago. If you wanna rage over it, knock yourselves out, but I’ve got this muted, and I’m not going to be reading any of your comments.”
Studies over the years have shed light on the dating preferences of men interested in physical fitness
Research on dating preferences suggests that men who regularly work out may value an active partner, but that does not necessarily mean they want to date women with similarly muscular or highly developed physiques.
A 2009 study published in Sex Roles examined 5,810 heterosexual dating profiles in the US. Among the 2,378 men who expressed body-type preferences, 85.6% included thin or thin-and-toned women among their preferred types.
However, only around 15% exclusively preferred these body types, suggesting that most were open to dating women with different physiques.
A 2018 Zoosk survey of more than 7,000 members found that 65% of online daters considered regular exercise important in a potential partner. The percentage was higher among people who exercised at least three times a week, with 83% saying they valued an active partner.
Fire Blanket - 1500F CE Certified Emergency Fire Blanket for Home & Kitchen | 500GSM Fabric & 0.5mm Thick - 100% Fiberglass Fire Extinguisher for Car,Warehouse Office - 2pc (47x47 inches) by Supa Ant
$53.45 (as of November 3, 2026 01:06 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Joking Hazard by Cyanide & Happiness - 360+ Funny & Inappropriate Comic Cards, Hilarious Party Games | Includes Add-Your-Own-Words Cards
$24.95 (as of November 3, 2026 01:06 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KiddyCare Diaper Caddy Organizer Cart for Nursery Baby Basket Gift for Boy/Girl | Diaper Caddy for Changing Table Basket Organizer with Dividers | Caddy for Baby Stuff Breast Pump Caddy - Regular
$9.99 (as of November 3, 2026 01:06 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones - Silver - Wired - Adult - In Ear - 18 grams - 90 days limited warranty
(as of November 3, 2026 01:06 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment